z

The Requiem of
the late Romantic
period
 z Sections
Requiem
Requiem Aeternam (or introit)
What is a Requiem?
Kyrie Eleison
A requiem is the Mass for the
Lacrimosa dead, part of the Roman
Dies Irae Catholic liturgy. It would have
Domine Jesu (or Offertorium) originally been sung at a funeral
Sanctus service, however today they are
Benedictus often performed in concert halls
Pie Jesu for entertainment purposes. A
requiem is made up of different
Agnus Dei
sections which are shown on the
Lux Aeterna
table to the left, however not all
Libera Me
Requiems have included all the
In Paradisum sections.
 Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
z Pages 38 – 39

1. When did Verdi complete his requiem?

2. Where was it first performed?

3. Why is Verdi’s requiem referred to as ‘an opera in ecclesiastical

robes’

4. Who was Verdi’s requiem composed for?

5. Why did Verdi have to get special permission from the archbishop to
have this work performed in the church.

6. Why didn’t Verdi use all sections of the Requiem in his work?

7. What is Verdi’s Requiem scored for?

z
Verdi’s Requiem Listening Questions
Requiem Aeternam – Listen to the opening minute of this section and answer
the following questions.

1. What is the tonality of this section?

2. Why do you think Verdi uses this tonality?

3. What Italian tempo marking would you give this music?

4. Discuss the scoring of this excerpt (i.e. what performing forces can you
hear?)

5. Describe the use of dynamics in this section.

6. What texture is used in this excerpt?

7. Extended Reponse Question: Listen to the opening of the Kyrie Eleison

and contrast this with the Requiem Aeternam.
z
Verdi’s Requiem Listening Questions

Dies Irae – Dies Irae translates to Day of Wrath. Listen to this

movement and discuss how the music helps to depict these lyrics.
Include a point for each of the musical elements listed below.

 Dynamics

 Tempo

 Tonality

 Rhythm

 Pitch
z
Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)
Page 43

 When did Faure write his requiem?

 Who is it thought to have been composed for?

 What sort of mood/atmosphere does Faure’s music create?

 What is this requiem scored for?

 What key is the requiem written in?

 z
Faure’s Requiem in D Minor
Introit Sanctus
1. Contrast the opening 1. Before looking at the score on page
dynamics with those when 44, what do you think the time
the choir first enters? signature is? Where you surprised
once you saw the score?
2. What word would you use to
describe the texture of this 2. What is this called?
excerpt?
3. What solo instrument enters about 10
3. Suggest an Italian tempo seconds into this excerpt?
marking for this excerpt. 4. Discuss how the voices are used in
this excerpt.
z
Pie Jesu

Pie Jesu is a prayer to Jesus for everlasting rest.

1. What performing forces can you hear in the opening of this

section?

2. What is the tonality of this section?

3. What cadence can you hear at the end of the first vocal
phrase?

4. What features of this section help to represent the image of

everlasting rest?