Britten's War Requiem

Britten’s War Requiem
With his War Requiem, Benjamin Britten composed a timeless and moving mass for all victims of war. Philzuid pulls out all the stops for a top-notch performance. The horrors of both world wars were unprecedented. Even today, we live in a time marked by the clang of arms. In 1962, composer Benjamin Britten completed a moving requiem for all victims of war, past and present. His War Requiem touches the heart and soul. Britten created an impressive work for three vocal soloists, choirs, organ, and a large orchestra. The inspiration for his requiem was the rebuilt Coventry Cathedral, which had been so severely damaged during World War II.

On November 14, 1940, virtually all of Coventry was reduced to ashes by German bombing raids, including the historic cathedral. By a miracle of God, the tower and spire had survived. In 1962, the new St. Michael’s Cathedral was finally rebuilt, and Britten’s hour-and-a-half-long Mass was performed during the official opening. As a staunch pacifist and humanist, Britten saw his new requiem as the perfect outlet for all his emotions. It soon became clear that the War Requiem would become one of Britten’s most important compositions.

Britten chose the Latin Mass for the Dead as the basis for his War Requiem. But it is the brilliant poetry of the poet and soldier Wilfred Owen that truly gives his requiem its wings. His personal, heart-wrenching poems leave nothing to the imagination. Owen was in the thick of the devastating trench warfare of World War I, and he manages to penetrate deeply into the pain of this senseless war. At a time when the Netherlands and the world are once again cheerfully arming themselves, Britten’s music and Owen’s poetry raise a warning finger.

For this monumental performance, Philzuid is joining forces with the Groot Omroepkoor, Studium Chorale, and Schola Puerorum to perform Britten’s masterpiece.