WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART

Requiem

1 Maurerische Trauermusik (KV 477)

2 Adagio for 2 clarinets and 3 basset horns (KV 411)

3-19 Requiem (KV 626)

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About this CD

Much is known about the special and particular circumstances surrounding the composition of Mozart’s Requiem. 1791 was a tumultuous year, and before Mozart’s life was cut short at the start of December he had composed, among other works, Die Zauberflöte, La Clemenza di Tito, the Clarinet Concerto and evidently this Requiem, although it was left in an unfinished state. If the mist and mystery surrounding both the creation of the Requiem and Mozart’s death have been lifting in recent times, a certain myth still persists...

Complete with a new design Glossa reinstates into the catalogue now a recording which typifies the label’s endeavours as well as being a memorable reflection of the artistry of the Orchestra of the 18th Century and of its director Frans Brüggen. An extended and beautiful introduction to the principal work is created by performances of the Maurerische Trauermusik and the Adagio for two clarinets and three basset horns, before Brüggen directs a startling and impressive reading of the Requiem - which includes the Introit, Tract and the Offertory sung in plainchant - which has become one of the reference versions of this work. The Metropolitan Space of Tokyo surely experienced an occasion of true magic back in March 1998 which was perfectly captured by the NHK Television microphones and which now can be enjoyed once more.