Who knew there could be a Requiem for the living? Dan Forrest's Requiem For The Living is a magnificent piece, little-known by the Portuguese public, so we need all the help we can get to be able to perform it in concert!
The Requiem is a mass of the Catholic churche offered in honor of the dead, intended for the repose of the deceased person's soull. The term “requiem” comes from the Latin requiem, which derives from requies, which means “rest” or “repose”.
However, this Requiem goes further and, using the author's own words, presents a narrative that serves both the living, and their own struggle with pain and sadness, as well as the dead, by emphasizing the importance of solace.
Requiem for the Living was written in 2013 by the American composer Dan Forrest, and is one of the most moving works you will ever hear, because of its luminous harmony and almost cinematic nature.
Dan Forrest is a highly qualified young American composer (1978), whose choral works are characterized for its numerous nuances, a well-paced language and deep meaning texts. He is much appreciated for his ability to write melodic lines for all voices and instruments, with an impactful and very efficient effect.
The version we take to concert is the Expanded Chamber Ensemble which combines the wind parts (flute, oboe and horn), harp and organ with percussion, string orchestra and choir. There are 5 movements that make up this Requiem and the spirit of this work is established from the beginning with the dark and elegantly orchestrated instrumental prologue of the opening Introit - Kyrie. The next movement - Vanitas Vanitatum - is more intense and tumultuous, with well-marked rhythms that evoke suffering and pain. The melodious Agnus Dei then offers tranquility, rescue and peace and is folloed by the Sanctus, which combines a melodic line with a frenetic rhythm, full of energy, evoking feelings of joy and praise. Lux Aeterna closes the work sublimely, with great delicacy, sweetness and is sung with such expression so as to offer peace and repose to both the dead and the living.
The Orquestra Círculo de Música de Câmara (OCMC) and the Lisbon Singers Choir are joined together to perform this magnificent piece on December 3rd in Lisbon. Entrance is free.
To be able to offer this concert OCMC, which is a string Orchestra, needs to hire the musicians for the melodic lines of the harp, flute, oboe, horn, organ, timpani and remaining percussion. On the other hand, the Choir will also have to hire a soprano soloist, and the cost of renting the piece itself to the entity responsible for its edition must also be considered.
So, we need your help so we can open the doors to anyone who wants to listen to this magnificient piece, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy a unique musical experience.
Susana Pais
Muito obrigado!
Queremos agradecer a todos pelos donativos que temos recebido e que vão possibilitar abrir as portas da Igreja de São Domingos em Lisboa a todos os que queiram ficar a conhecer esta obra magnífica.
Aproveitamos para confirmar a hora do concerto para que não faltem e possam continuar a divulgar este projeto: será dia 3 de Dezembro às 16h.
Já conseguimos 26% do nosso objetivo! Agora, é continuar a acreditar!
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