War Requiem

Benjamin Britten · 1963

81 min · 19 tracks · classical · opera · symphony

A haunting fusion of traditional liturgical texts and poignant war poetry, blending orchestral grandeur with intimate vocal performances.

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War Requiem is an album by Benjamin Britten, released in 1963. A haunting fusion of traditional liturgical texts and poignant war poetry, blending orchestral grandeur with intimate vocal performances. 'War Requiem' is celebrated for its powerful commentary on the futility of war, merging Latin Mass texts with Wilfred Owen's poignant poems. The work has received widespread critical acclaim and continues to influence contemporary classical music, often performed in memorial contexts and peace events, reinforcing its cultural significance. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does War Requiem sound like?

A haunting fusion of traditional liturgical texts and poignant war poetry, blending orchestral grandeur with intimate vocal performances. Rooted in classical and opera.

What makes War Requiem by Benjamin Britten notable?

'War Requiem' is celebrated for its powerful commentary on the futility of war, merging Latin Mass texts with Wilfred Owen's poignant poems. The work has received widespread critical acclaim and continues to influence contemporary classical music, often performed in memorial contexts and peace events, reinforcing its cultural significance. When Benjamin Britten released 'War Requiem' in 1963, he was already an established composer known for his operas and choral works. This album marked a significant point in his career as it was commissioned for the consecration of Coventry Cathedral, symbolizing reconciliation after the destruction of World War II. It showcased his ability to blend musical forms while addressing profound themes of war and peace.

How many songs are on War Requiem?

War Requiem has 19 tracks, running approximately 81 minutes.

Tracklist

19 tracks·81:21

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

Disc 1

1 War Requiem, op. 66: I. Requiem aeternam: Requiem aeternam 5:57
2 War Requiem, op. 66: I. Requiem aeternam: What passing bells for these who die as cattle? Standout 3:38
3 War Requiem, op. 66: II. Dies irae: Dies irae 3:37
4 War Requiem, op. 66: II. Dies irae: Bugles sang, saddening the evening air Standout 2:34
5 War Requiem, op. 66: II. Dies irae: Liber scriptus proferetur 2:57
6 War Requiem, op. 66: II. Dies irae: Out there, we've walked quite friendly up to Death 1:57
7 War Requiem, op. 66: II. Dies irae: Recordare Jesu pie 4:30
8 War Requiem, op. 66: II. Dies irae: Be slowly lifted up 2:10
9 War Requiem, op. 66: II. Dies irae: Confutatis 1:11
10 War Requiem, op. 66: II. Dies irae: Lacrimosa dies illa 1:54
11 War Requiem, op. 66: II. Dies irae: Move him into the sun 4:50
12 War Requiem, op. 66: III. Offertorium: Domine Jesu Christe 3:30
13 War Requiem, op. 66: III. Offertorium: So Abram rose, and clave the wood 6:08

Disc 2

1 War Requiem, op. 66: IV. Sanctus: Sanctus, sanctus, sanctus 6:06
2 War Requiem, op. 66: IV. Sanctus: After the blast of lightning from the East 3:50
3 War Requiem, op. 66: V. Agnus Dei: One ever hangs where shelled roads part 3:40
4 War Requiem, op. 66: VI. Libera me: Libera me, Domine 7:36
5 War Requiem, op. 66: VI. Libera me: It seemed that out of battle I escaped 9:33
6 War Requiem, op. 66: VI. Libera me: Let us sleep now / In Paradisum Standout 5:33