Ever since Mozart's untimely death interrupted its completion, his Requiem (K. 626) has attracted an enormous number of myths, mistruths and exaggerations. Although some of these were promulgated by his wife Constanza, a whole panoply of actors have muddied the waters surrounding historical details of the Requiem's commissioning, composition, completion and reception. At the same time, the music itself has mesmerized generations of audiences for its outstanding dramatic setting of the Requiem Mass. In this talk, Dr. Paul Miller (Duquesne University) will dispel many of the myths surrounding Mozart's Requiem, suggest some ways of hearing it that deepen listeners' appreciation of its music, and contextualize it within the Roman burial rite.
Join Beatrice Institute for this lecture delivered by Dr. Paul Miller (Musicianship, Duquesne University) on Thursday, March 16.