Dies Irae, Verdi's Requiem: Classical Music For Halloween
/Dies Irae is Latin for Day of Wrath. It was initially included as part of the requiem mass and is based on a poem most likely written by Thomas of Celano (d. c. 1256). The poem is about God’s judgment on all evil and the bringing about of peace. Here’s the first stanza of the poem,
Day of wrath and doom impending.
David's word with Sibyl's blending,
Heaven and earth in ashes ending.
Verdi’s Requiem is a mass, but it is always performed in concert. It is one of the most dramatic works of classical music, and it seems like it should accompany a horror film. One thing to listen for is the big bass drum that is struck throughout the movement. Over time, orchestras have grown larger and, therefore, massive bass drums needed to be built as well. In many ways, this work may remind you of a fight scene from a movie.