Requiem
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
One of Mozart’s most poignant works, enriched by three centuries of legend and preceded by rare works by his contemporaries.
Emőke Baráth soprano
Anthea Pichanick contralto
Zachary Wilder tenor
István Kovács bass
György Vashegyi direction
Orfeo Orchestra
Purcell Choir
First part
Mozart Sancta Maria, Mater Dei K. 273
Albrechtsberger Domine, secundum actum meum
Werner Requiem in C minor
Mozart Ave verum corpus K. 618
Sung in latin
Probably no work has ever left such a disturbing and profound legacy, fuelled by nearly three centuries of legend. The circumstances of the composition of the Requiem are shrouded in romantic mystery. We now know that it was commissioned by Count Walsegg, a music lover who wanted a Mass for the dead in honour of his deceased wife. We also know that the work, begun in 1791, was interrupted by the death of the musician and completed by his students Eybler and Süssmayer. What makes this concert particularly interesting is the choice of two rare works for the first half by Johann Georg Albrechtsberger – a friend of Mozart and Haydn, and a teacher notably to Beethoven, who produced an extensive catalogue of sacred works – and by Gregor Joseph Werner, Kapellmeister at the Estherhazy family chapel, who succeeded Haydn in 1766. A fine journey of exploration through the sacred texts of the 18th century.
Production Les Grandes Voix