The text of the Requiem follows that of the normal mass, except for the parts called "Gloria" and "Credo", which are extracted, and the adding of the "Dies irae" ('Day of wrath'), which isn't normally included in the catholic mass.
Verdi used an orchestra with four bassoons and four trumpets, three flutes and an ophicleide for the brass bass, quite modest by comparison with the monster forces of Wagner and Bruckner. But it provided him with all the grandeur he needed. Also, of course, are the chorus, and four solists - soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and bass.
This page is designed so as to follow the structure of the Requiem. Each part is referred to in a seperate page, containing original text and traslation into English, Musical analysis, and some musical examples.

The Requiem:
Requiem Aeternam - Kyrie eleison
Dies irae - this part is composed of nine sections.
Offertorio
Sanctus
Agnus dei
Lux aeterna
Libera me

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