Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Requiem
Completed and edited by Howard Arman
KV 626
Scoring: Soli SATB, Coro SATB, 2 Corni di bassetto, 2 Fg, 2 Tr, 3 Trb, Timp, 2 Vl, Va, Bc
Language: Latin
Duration: 50 min
Key: D minor
Text source: Liturgie
The English conductor and composer Howard Arman has presented us with a completed version of Mozarts Requiem. Another one? you might ask, since this publication is only the latest in a long line reaching back to the traditional Süßmayr version. Yet such is the enormous power of Mozarts score that the challenge and appeal of completing it remain undiminished. After two decades of intensive study, Howard Armans additions to Mozarts great original show the requisite care and respect while incorporating many new insights.
Armans approach is particularly fruitful. Always aware of the appropriate limits to such re-creative work, he orients himself towards the typical characteristics of Mozarts brilliant composing style: The masterly compositional technique, the search for innovative solutions to every problem, and even the terse treatment of the text with extremely suggestive harmonies. All of this leads to a number of new listening experiences. In the Tuba mirum, for example, we enjoy a warm, cohesive ensemble sound, supported by the bassoons, which depart from the bass line. The Confutatis presents a quite different picture: Even the basset horns are drawn down into the infernal depths. This effect is reinforced by the independence of the trombones; rather than simply following the choral parts, the instruments unique sound is given an opportunity to shine. Armans Lacrimosa achieves a lively Mozartian feel by granting the voices considerable freedom rather than following a rigid pattern. And he concludes the movement with a fugal Amen, whereby the focus is not so much on the counterpoint itself, but rather in the spirit of Mozart on creating a sense of drama and illuminating the theme in all its possible facets. Mozarts fragment ends with the Hostias, and so does Armans completion.
For the four following movements (Sanctus to Communio) we have nothing from Mozart, and so here, where the master is silent, Arman finally returns to Süßmayr, the man who was closest to Mozart at the time of his death and whose efforts to fill the blank manuscripts still garner our respect today.
Armans version has already proven its practical value. The premiere with the Bavarian Radio Choir was enthusiastically received by audiences and press alike and celebrated as offering a scholarly, entirely fresh perspective on Mozarts masterpiece.
World premiere by the Bavarian Radio Choir
Enthusiastically received by audience and press
Print editions & CDs:
- Full score, Foreword in German and English Carus 51.652/00, ISMN 979-0-007-29423-6
196 pages, paperback - Vocal score Carus 51.652/03, ISMN 979-0-007-29424-3
96 pages, paperback - Choral score Carus 51.652/05, ISMN 979-0-007-31428-6
40 pages, DIN A4, without cover
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies - Set of parts, complete orchestral parts Carus 51.652/19, ISMN 979-0-007-31388-3
23 x 32 cm, without cover
Provisionally available from 02/2024
in preparation - Notification when available - Compact Disc, 2 CDs Carus 51.652/99, EAN 400935051652
