Verdi Requiem

The Guild Singers

On 9 th March, Chorley Guild Singers will present its major concert for 2024.
Verdi’s Requiem was originally described by its critics as “opera in ecclesiastical
costume,” but this was rebutted by Brahms who said, “only a genius could
have written such a work.”
It has since become a much -performed work by large choral societies and
orchestras. This has made it inaccessible to choirs such as Chorley Guild
Singers, however the recent arrangement by Richard Blackwell brought it very
much to our attention. The orchestra is replaced by two pianos with organ and
percussion. This means that smaller choirs such as ours can have the thrill of
performing such a work. There are four very fine soloists to complete the line-
up. They are essential for this music with many glorious ensemble pieces.
Everyone will know the opening section of the “Dies Irae”(day of anger) as it is
often used to provide dramatic music for TV advertisements such as Audi Q8
and the Peugeot 407.As well as the dramatic it also has plenty of beautiful
melodies such as the “Lacrymosa” (Lamentations) when you can hear the
weeping and mourning in the rise and flow of the music.
So we hope we can welcome you to St.Laurence’s Church Chorley on March 9 th
for this unique experience in the cultural life of the town.