Alfred Schnittke Requiem

DUX 1407
• Requiem for soloists, mixed choir and instrumental ensemble (1974-1975) • Three Sacred Hymns for mixed choir (1984)

The tradition of composing a funeral mass goes back to the times of the Late Middle Ages, yet its artistic excellence was reached by later generations of composers. At the beginning, Alfred Schnittke wanted to write a small instrumental Requiem, which was supposed to be one of the movements of the Piano Quintet. However, he eventually rejected the idea and composed a 14-movement Requiem. The piece is very expressive, plenty of dramatic contrasts. The instrumental parts of electric guitars or a percussion set referring to polystylistic interests of the composer constitute a surprising element.

In turn, Three Religious Songs composed in the same style refer to the Orthodox music, introducing the atmosphere of contemplative reflection and prayer pensiveness.

CD DUX 1407Total time: [46:22]

Alfred Schnittke

Requiem for soloists, mixed choir and instrumental ensemble (1974-1975)

1. Requiem

[04:19]

2. Kyrie

[02:24]

3. Dies irae

[01:12]

4. Tuba mirum

[03:58]

5. Rex tremendae

[01:07]

6. Recordare

[02:48]

7. Lacrimosa

[03:15]

8. Domine Jesu

[01:25]

9. Hostias

[01:22]

10. Sanctus

[04:43]

11. Benedictus

[02:32]

12. Agnus Dei

[03:07]

13. Credo

[04:05]

14. Requiem

[04:28]

Alfred Schnittke

Three Sacred Hymns for mixed choir (1984)

15. Moderato

[01:23]

16. Pesante

[01:09]

17. Largo

[03:02]

Performers:
Choir of the Music Department of Rzeszów University
Monika Korybalska /soprano/
Agnieszka Kuk /soprano/
Olga Maroszek /alto/
Katarzyna Oleś-Blacha /soprano/
Bożena Stasiowska-Chrobak /conductor/
Dominik Sutowicz /tenore/
The Instrumental Ensemble of the Artur Malawski Philharmonic in Rzeszów /ensamble/

composers	Schnittke, Alfred ∎
performers	Choir of the Music Department of Rzeszów University ∎ , Korybalska, Monika ∎ , Kuk, Agnieszka ∎ , Maroszek, Olga ∎ , Oleś-Blacha, Katarzyna ∎ , Stasiowska-Chrobak, Bożena ∎ , Sutowicz, Dominik ∎ , The Instrumental Ensemble of the Artur Malawski Philharmonic in Rzeszów ∎