Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Berlioz - Grande messe des morts

Berlioz's spectacular Grande messe des morts performed at the Royal Albert Hall by the ѿý Symphony Orchestra and massed choral groups conducted by Francois-Xavier Roth.

Berlioz's spectacular Grande messe de morts (Requiem) performed at the Royal Albert Hall by the ѿý Symphony Orchestra and massed choral forces conducted by François-Xavier Roth.

Presented by Martin Handley.

Berlioz: Requiem - Grande messe des morts

Toby Spence (tenor)
ѿý Symphony Chorus
Crouch End Festival Chorus
London Philharmonic Choir
ѿý Symphony Orchestra
François-Xavier Roth (conductor)

Of all the Requiems, Berlioz's epic Grande messe des morts is among the largest. It involves a gargantuan ensemble, including huge choir, 10 timpanists and 4 offstage brass bands, and unleashes an incredible range of expression with masterful theatricality.

This breathtaking, roof-raising masterwork was written to commemorate the fallen of the 1830 French Revolution and was a great success at its 1837 premiere. It was performed in the similarly epic Royal Albert Hall with the massed choral forces of the ѿý Symphony and Crouch End Festival Choruses, the London Philharmonic Choir, tenor Toby Spence and conductor François-Xavier Roth on Remembrance Sunday.

Recorded on 13th November at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

2 hours, 25 minutes

Last on

Mon 14 Nov 2016 19:30

Music Played

  • Gustav Mahler

    Symphony No 1 (2nd mvt, 'Blumine')

    Orchestra: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Simon Rattle.
    • Mahler: Symphony no.1: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Rattle.
    • EMI Classics.
    • 1.
  • Hector Berlioz

    Requiem (Grande messe des morts)

    Orchestra: ѿý Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: François‐Xavier Roth. Performer: Toby Spence. Choir: ѿý Symphony Chorus. Choir: Crouch End Festival Chorus. Choir: London Philharmonic Choir.
  • Francis Poulenc

    Concerto in D minor for two pianos (2nd mvt)

    Performer: Katia Labèque. Performer: Marielle Labèque. Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Seiji Ozawa.
    • Philips.

Credits

Role Contributor
Performer ѿý Symphony Orchestra
Performer ѿý Symphony Chorus

Broadcast

  • Mon 14 Nov 2016 19:30