Mozart composed Requiem in D-minor, K. 626, in Vienna in late 1791 but left it unfinished at his death on December 5 the same year. A completed version dated 1792 by Franz Xaver Süssmayr, a pupil of Mozart, was delivered to Count Franz von Walsegg, who had commissioned the piece. The masterfully conceived piece remains one of the most beloved and most frequently performed pieces of choral-orchestral music.

Today’s performance faithfully adheres to the contemporary Viennese performance practice by the choice of soloists, chorus size and make-up. Combined with the interpretation in the maner of the late 18th century Vienna, these elements contribute to the creation of a different sound picture than the one we are used to. This is an unvarnished performance which more closely resembles the one of January 2, 1793 at the Jahn-Saal in Vienna when the piece was first performed.

Artists:
Sylvia Pratt, soprano
Amy Rodrigues, alto
Philip Johnson, tenor
Christian Schmidt, bass
Oregon State Cappella
Oregon Festival Orchestra
Zvonimir Hacko, conductor

Program:
Mozart: Requiem in D-minor, K. 626
for soprano, alto, tenor, and bass soloists, chorus & orchestra