Britten’s War Requiem was written for the consecration of the newly built Coventry cathedral – the previous 14th century building having been destroyed by bombing during World War II. The first performance took place in the cathedral on 30th May, 1962.
As you know, the work isn’t simply a setting of the Latin Mass for the Dead but interpolates the Mass with settings of the poems of Wilfred Owen, the First World War poet; poetry that reflects the horror of war and so chimes in with the Britten’s pacifism, as Owen put it…
My subject is War, and the pity of War.
The Poetry is in the pity…
All a poet can do today is warn.
The work uses large vocal and orchestral forces divided into three groups:
- Solo soprano, chorus and full orchestra;
- Solo tenor and baritone accompanied by a chamber ensemble;
- Boys’ choir and portative organ.
Amongst the principal means that Britten uses to unify the several sections of the piece is the interval of a diminished fifth (specifically C to F-sharp). It dominates the opening Requiem Aeternam and makes several important appearances later in the Mass:
Requiem Aeternam 1:21
Dies Irae 10:42
Offertorium 37:43
Sanctus 47:32
Agnus Dei 58:26
Libera Me 1:02:14
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Pantygwydr!
The Art of Listening 