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Benson Choral Society presents: Mozart Double Bill
Mozart received a commission to write his masterly Requiem in 1791 but was unable to complete it before his own death. The film ‘Amadeus’ portrays it as a commemoration of his own life, and certainly the sombre opening Requiem aeternam echoed in the closing Lux aeterna, the brilliant fugal Kyrie eleison, the fierce Confutatis maletictis, the lyrical Voca me and the poignant Lacrimosa pay tribute to the breadth his genius. It’s a great favourite with singers and audience alike.
Back in 1780 Mozart composed his Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, consisting of five psalms and a Magnificat. Intended for a saint’s day, it includes the famous Laudate Dominum whose soprano melody set against a choral background is among the most magical of all Mozart’s vocal writing. Mozart was pleased with this work, and it’s well worth exploring this less familiar territory.