Over the years, I've developed a passion for Requiems. Many consider this a morbid pursuit, concealing a greater obsession with Death and the annoying issues surrounding it (while that may be true, it isn't the topic under discussion so perhaps we shall pretend I never said it).

Requiems are pieces of music played at funerals; the name 'requiem' derives from the first line, which begins, "Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine..." (Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord...). It's a Latin word meaning 'rest'. The Christian Requiem Mass is said at funerals, and this Latin text has been set to music many times.

A few of the more famous compositions were quilled by Mozart, Berlioz, Verdi and Dvorak (this is obviously not an exhaustive list). There's also a modern War Requiem composed by Benjamin Britten, but personally I don't care for it much (sorry if that offends anyone here).

Anyone else here like Requiems, or listened to them, or heard of them? Any preferences? I'm currently enjoying Herbert Von Karajan conducting the Wiener Philarmoniker on Mozart's Requiem in D Minor (KV626).

My favourite interpretation of the Requiem Mass was by Mozart. I think his version has the right amount and placement of the terrifying and imposing tone of death, the plaintive notes of pleading and the concluding calm passage to rest until the day of judgement.

1. "Requiem in D Minor" begins with the Introit - "Requiem Aeternam". Here, the melancholy music slowly builds, beginning with a gentle prayer asking God to grant eternal rest to the departed soul, and eternal light.

2. "Kyrie Eleison" begs the Lord for forgiveness and mercy upon the soul.

3. Dies Irae - one of the best pieces from Mozart that I've heard, and in my opinion certainly the best sequence set to music (compared to Requiems by other composers) - on the day of wrath, the great and tremendous king will arise upon the sounding of the trumpet and summon the damned and weeping souls, their deeds recorded in the great book of life, and he shall pass judgement upon them. This is divided into several parts - "Dies Irae", "Tuba Mirum", "Rex Tremendae", "Recordare", "Confutatis Maledictis" and "Lacrimosa".

4. Offertory - the offering of sacrifices and prayers in praise of God, and the repeated requests to forgive the soul, through "Domine Jesu" and "Hostias".

5. Sanctus - singing the praises of the Lord through "Sanctus", "Hosanna" and "Benedictus".

6. Agnus Dei, the beginning of the concluding prayer once again wishing for eternal rest.

7. Communion - the final request for eternal rest and everlasting light, "Lux Aeterna" and "Requiem Aeternam".

The full text of the Requiem can be obtained here: http://www.stmatthews.com/choir/mozartsrequiem.htm

I've been listening to some other famous requiems by Verdi, Berlioz and Britten, and find that Mozart has spoilt my ear to their music - I can't find myself appreciating them nearly as much as I do his Requiem. In fact, I can't even bring myself to consider his own other works on par with it!

Look at me, talking to myself online. I've just joined and have already proven myself certifiable.

I enjoy Faure's Requiem, and the German Requiem by Brahms.