Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber: Requiem in f: (Arr. Paul Horn): Chœur Mixte et Ensemble

Biber’s Requiem in F minor is amongst the most impressive settings of the Requiem Mass of the 17th century. The exact reason for the composition of the Requiem, which can be dated after 1692, is not known. The dark key color of F minor is emphasized by the instrumental scoring for two violins, three violas, basso continuo and three trombones (colla parte with the chorus). The vivid language of the Requiem text offered Biber a wealth of possibilities for expressive, musical interpretation. The intensity of the musical language used to portray lamenting and mourning is impressive. In the course of publication of the Biber Requiem, surprisingly the primary source, which until now had been thought to be missing, resurfaced and the edition could be prepared based on this astonishing discovery. This is a work of mid-level difficulty for a choir and with the clear disposition of the string parts it is well suited for performance by amateur choirs.Also available in a version for Choir & Organ (Carus 27.318/45).