Mozart’s Requiem in Santa María del Mar

The Requiem Mass in D minor is one of the best known works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791). The Austrian composer and musician left the piece unfinished at the time of his death and it was completed by his foremost disciple. His condition at the time, coupled with his customary prodigality, lend the Requiem an air of mystery and intensity that have provided it with its legendary status. It is currently considered one of Mozart’s greatest pieces and one of the most brilliant works based around Latin mass that has ever been written.

 

Predominant in the work are almost twenty violins, accompanied by violas, violoncellos and contrabasses, to which are added bassoons, trumpets, trombones, basset horns as well as interventions of organ and kettledrums, the sound of which, according to Mozart’s sister, he was trying to reproduce vocally at the moment of his death.

 

The Requiem will be performed in the spectacular setting of the Basilica de Santa María del Mar by the Orquesta de Cámara del Empordà (OCE), founded in Figueres in 1989 and the Polifónica de Puig Reig, founded in 1968 and under the direction of Ramon Noguera since 1969. The intense activity of this orchestra includes an extensive and varied repertoire that covers many eras and styles, a fact that has led to invitations to perform in many parts of the globe.

 

The concert forms part of the XIV Barcelona Concert Season.