Widely considered Verdi's masterpiece, the Requiem was written in 1873 as a tribute to poet, novelist, and patriot Alessandro Manzoni, one of the few individuals whom Verdi revered. Reflecting the powerful theatrical tradition in which the composer worked all his life, the "Manzoni" Requiem has been called Verdi's greatest operatic achievement. Grove's Dictionary noted that "the Mass for the Dead provided [Verdi] with one of the most dramatic texts and some of the most dramatic situations he had ever set, and he responded to them with high inspiration, rhythmic, sonic, and structural."
This unabridged orchestral score is scored for solo vocal quartet, full chorus, and enlarged orchestra — including the massive brass choir, offstage and on, featured in the memorable Tuba mirum ("The trumpet shall sound"). Reproduced here from an authoritative early edition, the score appears with bar-numbered movements and ample margins at the bottom of each score page for notes and analysis. Ideal for study in the classroom, at home, or in the concert hall, this affordable, high-quality, conveniently sized volume will be the edition of choice for music students and music lovers alike.