Tigran Mansurian's "Requiem" is a profound and moving exploration of memory, loss, and cultural identity, composed in response to the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1917. This powerful work, commissioned by the Münchener Kammerorchester and the RIAS Kammerchor Berlin, blends the solemnity of the Latin requiem text with the distinctive modal sounds and spiritual depth of Armenian liturgical music. The result is a unique and hauntingly beautiful composition that honors the victims of one of history's darkest chapters.
Recorded in the resonant acoustics of the Jesus-Christus-Kirche in Berlin, this album features the stellar performances of the RIAS Kammerchor, Münchener Kammerorchester, and soloists Anja Petersen and Andrew Redmond, all under the baton of Alexander Liebreich. The eight-movement requiem, lasting just under 46 minutes, is a testament to Mansurian's mastery of contemporary classical composition and his ability to evoke profound emotional and spiritual resonance.
Mansurian, widely regarded as Armenia's greatest living composer, weaves together the ancient and the modern, creating a work that is both timeless and deeply personal. The "Requiem" is not just a musical tribute but a deeply felt expression of remembrance and reflection, making it an essential addition to any classical music collection. The album, released on ECM New Series in 2017, is a testament to Mansurian's enduring legacy and his unique voice in the world of contemporary classical music.
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