Messa da Requiem

Verdi’s Messa da Requiem had its beginnings in a composite work commemorating Rossini’s death, the falling through of its intended premiere in 1869 providing Verdi with a “Libera me” (“Deliver me”) that found its place in a Requiem in memory of author and poet Alessandro Manzoni (1785-1873), the icon of Italian unification. Premiered in Venice’s San Marco church on 22 May 1874, it won immediate success even if its overtly operatic content (and inclusion of female vocalists) impeded its dissemination in Italy. The work unfolds on relatively traditional lines, the “Requiem aeternam” contrasting a hushed “Introit” with a fervent “Kyrie” that introduces the four soloists. The second section commences with a thunderous “Dies irae” followed by an ominous “Tuba mirum” and eight pieces featuring one or other soloists who combine in a forceful “Rex tremendae” and finally a supplicatory “Lacrymosa”. The “Offertory” juxtaposes a wistful “Domine Jesu Christe” and prayerful “Hostias” for the soloists, the chorus re-emerging for an incisive “Sanctus”. The “Agnus Dei” features eloquent solos for soprano and mezzo, the latter joined by tenor and bass in an ethereal “Lux aeterna”. Alluding to earlier sections, the “Libera me” pursues its restless course to the soprano’s plea for deliverance more resigned than hopeful.