OK, so one of my small pet projects is to give some vocal works an honest try. As such, Its hard to overstate my lack of... well... everything... on the topic.
So I gave Requiem a spin this morning on my hour long drive into work. I thought it was a good one to sample since its only about 50 minutes long.
My first impression once I started listening was that this is seriously asking quite bit of my aural sensibilities at 7:30 in the morning.
The second implession I got was a powerful reminder of when I went to see Handels Messiah sung by nearly 1,000 voices..oh about 15 years ago at Luther college in Iowa. I remember feeling like my hair was blowing back as I sat in a stunned stupor at the overwhelming force of the performance when the chorus charged up..it was simply amazing. The first few parts in Requiem (kyrie elesion, Dies irae) reminded me of that feeling... tympany pounding and voices pronouncing in concert... very impressive.
Thirdly.. I need to read this thing translated and listen again. I think it will help.. my latin is a little rusty (rolleyes). Confutatis is an amazing piece - the contrast between its powerful and delicate parts is captivating to me... i wish there was more to it than 2 1/2 minutes!
CONFUTATIS
=========
Confutatis maledictis,
When the damned are cast away
Flammis acribus addictis,
and consigned to the searing flames,
Voca me cum benedictus.
call me to be with the blessed.
Oro supplex et acclinis,
Bowed down in supplication I beseech Thee,
Cor contritum quasi cinis:
my heart as though ground to ashes:
Gere curam mei finis.
Help me in my final hour.
last.. I think I am enjoying the choral parts more than the non-choral parts. 'Tuba mirum' does not do all that much for me.
Overall, after only 1 listen - I must say I am impressed... and surprised at being impressed.
So I gave Requiem a spin this morning on my hour long drive into work. I thought it was a good one to sample since its only about 50 minutes long.
My first impression once I started listening was that this is seriously asking quite bit of my aural sensibilities at 7:30 in the morning.
The second implession I got was a powerful reminder of when I went to see Handels Messiah sung by nearly 1,000 voices..oh about 15 years ago at Luther college in Iowa. I remember feeling like my hair was blowing back as I sat in a stunned stupor at the overwhelming force of the performance when the chorus charged up..it was simply amazing. The first few parts in Requiem (kyrie elesion, Dies irae) reminded me of that feeling... tympany pounding and voices pronouncing in concert... very impressive.
Thirdly.. I need to read this thing translated and listen again. I think it will help.. my latin is a little rusty (rolleyes). Confutatis is an amazing piece - the contrast between its powerful and delicate parts is captivating to me... i wish there was more to it than 2 1/2 minutes!
CONFUTATIS
=========
Confutatis maledictis,
When the damned are cast away
Flammis acribus addictis,
and consigned to the searing flames,
Voca me cum benedictus.
call me to be with the blessed.
Oro supplex et acclinis,
Bowed down in supplication I beseech Thee,
Cor contritum quasi cinis:
my heart as though ground to ashes:
Gere curam mei finis.
Help me in my final hour.
last.. I think I am enjoying the choral parts more than the non-choral parts. 'Tuba mirum' does not do all that much for me.
Overall, after only 1 listen - I must say I am impressed... and surprised at being impressed.