Maurice Duruflé's “Requiem” was created just two years after the end of World War II. It combines the spiritual depth of Gregorian chants with the rich harmonies of the 20th century. The music moves between delicate contemplation and powerful exaltation, offering both comfort and hope for a new beginning in a more peaceful time. This desire is also fulfilled by two collections from the time of the Thirty Years' War, which plunged Europe into catastrophe 300 years earlier. The “Musicalischen Friedensseufftzer” is a collection of spiritual songs and hymns published by Erasmus Kindermann in 1642. In this collection, he expresses his longing for peace and divine grace.

Musically, Baroque musical forms connect with religious meditation. The “Krieges – Angst – Seufftzer” by Johann Hildebrand, composed a few years later, also reflects the deep despair and the desire for spiritual comfort that people sought amid war and destruction.

Maurice Duruflé – “Requiem” for choir, soloists, and organ
Erasmus Kindermann – Excerpts from the “Musicalischen Friedensseufftzern” Nuremberg 1642
Johann Hildebrand – Excerpts from “Krieges – Angst – Seufftzer” Eilenburg 1645

Isabelle Osenau (Mezzo-soprano)
Taejong Kim (Baritone)
Julie Auer (Cello)
Daniel Clark (Organ)
Opera Choir
Conductor: Christian Möbius

NOTE
Admission is free.
You can obtain free tickets at the visitor service and at www.staatstheater-cottbus.de.