Requiem cover

Requiem

Karl Jenkins · 2005

71 min · 18 tracks · classical music

A haunting blend of choral harmonies and orchestral textures that evoke deep emotional resonance throughout its movements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Requiem: II. Dies Irae — This track stands out with its dramatic intensity, showcasing powerful choral dynamics and orchestral depth that embody the themes of fear and judgment.
  • →
    Requiem: IX. Pie Jesu — The serene beauty of this piece offers a moment of respite amidst the larger work, featuring delicate vocals that evoke a profound sense of peace and hope.
  • →
    In These Stones Horizons Sing: V. In These Stones Horizons Sing — As the closing piece, it encapsulates the overarching themes of the album with an uplifting melody that reflects on human connection and transcendence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositional techniques and a cohesive structure, blending choral and orchestral elements effectively.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a series of movements that build in intensity, culminating in the climactic 'Lacrimosa' before transitioning to more reflective pieces.
  • Choral arrangements are layered with orchestral instrumentation, creating a rich texture that evolves throughout the work.
  • The final three tracks shift to a lighter tone, incorporating elements from folk traditions and contrasting with the darker themes of the requiem.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • haunting choral harmonies throughout
  • deep emotional resonance in movements
  • reflective moments for solitude
  • ceremonial ambiance for contemplation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat, fast-paced tracks
  • prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'Requiem' was released in January 2005, Karl Jenkins was already an established composer, known for his previous works like 'Adiemus' and 'The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace'. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into choral music, combining classical elements with contemporary influences, further solidifying his place in the modern classical genre.
Stylistic neighbors
Mike Oldfield· Yann Tiersen· Ludovico Einaudi

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Requiem: I. Introit 6:48
  • 2 Requiem: II. Dies Irae 4:41
  • 3 Requiem: III. The Snow of Yesterday 3:14
  • 4 Requiem: IV. Rex Tremendae 3:10
  • 5 Requiem: V. Confutatis 2:56
  • 6 Requiem: VI. From Deep in My Heart 2:38
  • 7 Requiem: VII. Lacrimosa 4:51
  • 8 Requiem: VIII. Now as a Spirit 4:01
  • 9 Requiem: IX. Pie Jesu 4:35
  • 10 Requiem: X. Having Seen the Moon 4:19
  • 11 Requiem: XI. Lux Aeterna 3:27
  • 12 Requiem: XII. Farewell 4:04
  • 13 Requiem: XIII. In Paradisum 5:37
  • 14 In These Stones Horizons Sing: I. Agorawd [Overture], Part 1: Cân Yr Alltud 2:33
  • 15 In These Stones Horizons Sing: II. Agorawd [Overture], Part 2: Nawr! 2:40
  • 16 In These Stones Horizons Sing: III. Grey 4:49
  • 17 In These Stones Horizons Sing: IV. Eleni Ganed 2:00
  • 18 In These Stones Horizons Sing: V. In These Stones Horizons Sing 4:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata