Andrew Lloyd Webber – Requiem

Andrew Lloyd Webber – Requiem

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem is a dramatic and ambitious contemporary setting of the traditional Latin Requiem Mass, first performed in 1985. Written in memory of his father, William Lloyd Webber, the work marked a striking departure from the musical theatre compositions for which Lloyd Webber was already famous, combining large-scale choral writing and orchestral music with his distinctive melodic style.

The world premiere took place at St Thomas’ Church in New York in February 1985, conducted by Lorin Maazel and featuring an impressive line-up of soloists including soprano Sarah Brightman, tenor Plácido Domingo and treble Paul Miles-Kingston. The recording also features the Winchester Cathedral Choir and English Chamber Orchestra, making this an especially notable meeting of classical voices, choir and orchestral performance.

The work is perhaps best known for Pie Jesu, the beautifully melodic soprano and treble piece that became one of Lloyd Webber’s most recognisable compositions. The complete work moves through the major sections of the Requiem, from Requiem & Kyrie and Dies Irae through Recordare, Ingemisco, Offertorium, Hosanna, Pie Jesu and the concluding Lux Aeterna & Libera Me.

A fascinating release for admirers of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sarah Brightman, Plácido Domingo and Lorin Maazel, as well as collectors of classical crossover, choral music and 1980s classical recordings. Requiem subsequently received the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Composition, underlining its significance within Lloyd Webber’s classical catalogue.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Requiem & Kyrie – 6:39
2. Dies Irae...Rex Tremendae – 6:00
3. Recordare – 3:21
4. Ingemisco...Lacrymosa – 7:40

Side B

1. Offertorium – 5:19
2. Hosanna – 4:51
3. Pie Jesu – 3:53
4. Lux Aeterna & Libera Me – 7:29