Verdi Requiem

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Verdi first got the idea of writing a funeral mass in 1868, after the death of Gioacchino Rossini. He suggested that a number of well‐known Italian composers should collaborate on a “Requiem” in Rossini’s honor. Unfortunately the project was abandoned shortly before the premiere.

When the writer Alessandro Manzoni died in 1873, Verdi decided to compose a requiem for him. Although the two met only once, the influence that the writer had on Verdi was immense. Verdi considered Manzoni’s “The Betrothed” (I promessi sposi) one of the brightest pearls of world literature. Being an opera composer throughout, Verdi gave his “Requiem” exceptional dramatic power and operatically beautiful melodies.

Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi
World premiere on May 22, 1874 in the Church of Saint Mark (Milan)

Conductor: Vello Pähn

Estonian National Opera Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra, State Choir “Latvija”

Soloists: Aile Asszonyi, Lilli Paasikivi, Soome Rahvusooper, Pavlo Balakin