In 1873 the Italian poet, novelist and national hero Alessandro Manzoni died. Verdi had been a lifelong admirer and was deeply affected by his death. He decided to write a Requiem in Manzoni’s memory, and began by re-working the Libera me which he had composed five years earlier, part of an ill-fated collaboration initially conceived as a memorial to Gioachino Rossini. Though this piece is Verdi’s only large-scale work not intended for the stage, the Requiem is unashamedly theatrical in style, with passages of great tenderness and simplicity, contrasting with intensely dramatic sections. Writing at the time, the eminent conductor and pianist Hans von Bülow aptly described it as “Verdi’s latest opera, in church vestments”. The first performance of the Messa di Requiem took place on 22nd May 1874, the first anniversary of Manzoni’s death, in St. Mark’s Church, Milan. Special permission had to be obtained from the Archbishop to allow inclusion of female choristers, who were hidden behind a screen and clad in full-length black dresses and mourning veils. Although the performance was a success, the constraining circumstances and prohibition of applause produced a somewhat muted reaction. In contrast, the second performance three days later, at La Scala Opera House, was received by the capacity crowd with tumultuous enthusiasm, which has been the response of audiences ever since.
Tickets are £25, £20, £10, students £5 and can be purchased online at https://wegottickets.com/event/667188 or by phoning 01908 583460.