Mozart’s timeless Requiem is the centrepiece of this concert of works written on similar themes, beginning with Mozart’s expressive Passion aria for soprano, Kommet her, ihr frechen Sünder (1779).
JS Bach’s cantata Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen (whose opening later became the Crucifixus of his Mass in B minor) includes Bach’s first extended solo for oboe in the beautiful aria for alto, a duet for bass and tenor, and a mournful tenor aria.
Remembrance is the specific focus of two heartfelt 20th-century miniatures, Stravinsky’s In memoriam Dylan Thomas for tenor and small ensemble, and Arvo Pärt’s haunting Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten.
Rick Prakhoff conducts the Melbourne Bach Choir, orchestra, and four outstanding soloists. Jaqueline Porter (Soprano), Sally-Anne Russell (Mezzo-Soprano), Andrew Goodwin (Tenor), and Andrew Jones (Baritone).