We spend this coffee break exploring Benjamin Britten's War Requiem, the 20th Century's Greatest Work (and we're sticking to it.) Britten uses his musical mastery and dramatic skill to infuse the Latin Mass of the Dead with the war poems of Wilfred Owen, in powerful and, sometimes, ironic ways. We listen to the Dies Irae to hear Britten's power use of tritones to drive the music forward, as well as the compelling Sanctus and Libera Me, the conclusion. The complex piece uses both a full and chambers orchestras, 3 soloists, 2 choirs (adult and children) to create a simple but awesome message about the horrors of war.

Listen to the entire piece:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=625WOYzdvFw

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