BENJAMIN BRITTEN

War Requiem

 

For three soloists, mixed choir, children’s choir, organ, chamber orchestra, and full orchestra, Op. 66

(Text based on the Missa pro defunctis and poems by Wilfred Owen)

 

SACD1

I. Requiem Aeternam

II. Dies Irae

III. Offertorium

 

SACD2

IV. Sanctus

V. Agnus Dei

VI. Libera Me

 

Annette Dasch - Soprano

James Taylor - Tenor

Christian Gerhaher - Bass

 

Aurelius Sängerknaben Calw

Festivalensemble Stuttgart / Helmuth Rilling

 

Total Time: 1:22:40

 

Britten’s War Requiem may be one of the largest and most shaking works of the 20^th century. The work was an immediate success following its premiere on May 30th 1962 for the rededication of Coventry Cathedral (which had been destroyed during the Battle of Britain in World War II), winning the admiration of both press and public. Britten used texts from Catholic Mass for the Dead and poems by Wilfred Owen, in order to make a public statement of Britten’s anti-war convictions. It was a denunciation of the wickedness of war, not of other men. In this performance by Helmuth Rilling, the maestro has once again called upon some of the finest singers in Europe and presides over the massive musical canvas with a deep sensitivity to the works texts and intent, to create a truly shattering performance for our time.

 

“A wonderful performance, and listening to it (I found) has been a most moving experience….Above all, we must honour their conductor whose mature guidance is everywhere in evidence. It’s the sense of unity that has distinguished this experience of the War Requiem most especially. I have never known it to move with such logic.” Gramophone Magazine, November 2008 – Editor’s Choice

 

“The orchestra sounds almost human in its emotional involvement, while the choral singing is of the highest order. Add the beautiful solo performances and it’s impossible to recommend this highly enough.” Classic FM Magazine, March 2009

 

Hanssler 2SACDs HAN098507