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The autumn season for Ryedale Choral did not go well. Much to everyone’s disappointment, the Christmas concert of carols and readings and the performance of Handel’s ‘The Messiah’ had to be cancelled because of the extreme weather. It is hoped that ‘The Messiah’ will be performed at a later date. Rehearsals have now begun for the spring performance of Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ and another shorter work. A Requiem is usually a musical setting of the Mass for the Dead or a memorial to someone who has died. Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ fits both categories. Count Franz von Walsegg-Stuppach commissioned Mozart to write a requiem in memory of his dead wife, which he planned to pass off as his own work. Mozart died before the ‘Requiem’ was finished. The work we now know was completed by Franz Xavier Süssmayr. There was a story that Süssmayr discussed the work with the dying Mozart, who gave him detailed instructions for the completion and orchestration of the ‘Requiem’. However, Mozart did not expect his illness to be fatal until a couple of days before he died on 5th December 1791, so it is unlikely this tale is true. The resulting piece of work is, however, one of the great and popular choral pieces, often featuring as background music in films, television and advertising. New members are always made welcome. Please contact the Beacon for further details. Mary Cowton. |
