Melbourne Symphony Orchestra concert 5 April 2008 - Verdi's Requiem

Featuring:
- Verdi Messa di Requiem

Aivale Cole - Soprano
Lilli Paasikivi - Mezzo-soprano
Virgilio Marino - Tenor
Askar Abdrazakov - Bass
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus: Jonathan Grieves-Smith - Chorus Master
The Bach Choir London: David Hill - Musical Director
Oleg Caetani - Conductor

Verdi's Requiem, which general public know only from its famous Dies Irae, is a work worth more knowing than the short section of Dies Irae. From the opening cello melody till the last notes, it is full of memorable melodies and events. There is seriously no 'boring' parts in the whole requiem. When I first listened to it, it was the Kyrie that grabbed my attention. Dies Irae followed next and without stop, Tuba Mirum that requires 8 trumpets in total blows my socks off. Other movements that I loved in my premiere listening were Rex Tremendae, Recordare, Confutatis, Lacrimosa, Offertory, and Sanctus. Upon my second listening, I've picked up why Libera Me is legendary. I also grow to appreciate the beautiful Liber Scriptus, Quid Sum Miser, the Tenor solo Ingemisco and lovely duets in Agnus Dei. And after tonight's concert, Verdi's Requiem is definitely my favourite choral works dethroning Mozart's Requiem.

The concert itself was brilliant. The sight of the number of double choirs are already very impressive and I will give them special 'bravo' again because they performed wonderfully. Dies Irae and Tuba Mirum gave me goosebumps and what magnificent Sanctus! The orchestra players played as if their lives are on the line. I could not really pick a highlight of good orchestral playing overall since the level of playing in that concert is really really high. The soloists themselves are wonderful although I would prefer the Tenor to sing a little bit louder. Sometimes his voice seemed to be overwhelmed by his other soloists and the chorus. However, his rendition of the Offertory was really brilliant. The bass really shone in Confutatis. The beautiful mezzo-soprano soared in Liber Scriptus and Lacrimosa and her Soprano counter parts did a wonderful job in Libera Me. Their duets in Recordare was just heart-melting.

The hall was more than 97% full, and from what I heard, the hall was sold out for the previous 2 days. The audience were well-behaved and applaused enthusiastically at the end of the concert. One of the best concerts that I've ever attended.