Sigismund Neukomm (1778-1858) was one of the most remarkable characters of the music scene in the classical and early romantic eras. He started as a pupil of Johann Michael Haydn, and later had close ties with his older Joseph Haydn. During his life he came into contact with almost every composer of fame. He travelled throughout Europe, but didn't stay very long in one place. It is assumed he has written about 2,000 works. Among them are 50 masses, three funeral services and four Requiems. In 1816 Neukomm moved to Rio de Janeiro where he became the music teacher of João VI, Prince Regent of Portugal. It was there one year later, that he composed the monumental Missa Solemnis pro Die acclamationis Johannis VI, intended to salute King João VI's accession to the throne of Portugal and Brazil at the grand ceremony of acclamation that was to take place in 1818. The funeral service recorded here dates from 1838, when Neukomm was living in France. The music of the Requiem isn't a flashy piece of music, as it was written for liturgical use at the funeral. It is the whole structure of this service and the way it should be performed which is very intriguing: The Requiem and the psalm 'De profundis' were to be performed in church, whereas the psalm 'Miserere' and the funeral march were to be performed during the procession which accompanied the corpse to the cemetery. This release, featuring all parts of this service, delivers a nice portrayal of a most fascinating character in the European music scene of the early 19th century.
5 Gratias Agimus Tibi - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
6 Domine Deus - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
7 Qui Tollis - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
8 Quoniam - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
9 Cum Sancto Spiritu - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
10 Credo - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
11 Et Incarnatus - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
12 Et Resurrexit - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
13 Sanctus - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
14 Benedictus - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
15 Agnus Dei - Choeur de Chambre de Namur
- Disc 2 -
1 Requiem Æternam Dona Eis Domine - Cantareunion
2 Kyrie Eleison - Cantareunion
3 Dies Iræ - Cantareunion
4 Recordare Jesu Pie - Cantareunion
5 Lacrymosa Dies Illa - Cantareunion
6 Domine Jesu Christe - Cantareunion
7 Hostias Et Præces Tibi - Cantareunion
8 Sanctus and Benedictus - Cantareunion
9 Pie Jesu - Cantareunion
10 Agnus Dei - Cantareunion
11 Libera Me - Cantareunion
12 De Profundis - Cantareunion
13 Marche Funèbre and Miserere - la Grande Ecurie Et la Chambre Du Roy
Sigismund Neukomm (1778-1858) was one of the most remarkable characters of the music scene in the classical and early romantic eras. He started as a pupil of Johann Michael Haydn, and later had close ties with his older Joseph Haydn. During his life he came into contact with almost every composer of fame. He travelled throughout Europe, but didn't stay very long in one place. It is assumed he has written about 2,000 works. Among them are 50 masses, three funeral services and four Requiems. In 1816 Neukomm moved to Rio de Janeiro where he became the music teacher of João VI, Prince Regent of Portugal. It was there one year later, that he composed the monumental Missa Solemnis pro Die acclamationis Johannis VI, intended to salute King João VI's accession to the throne of Portugal and Brazil at the grand ceremony of acclamation that was to take place in 1818. The funeral service recorded here dates from 1838, when Neukomm was living in France. The music of the Requiem isn't a flashy piece of music, as it was written for liturgical use at the funeral. It is the whole structure of this service and the way it should be performed which is very intriguing: The Requiem and the psalm 'De profundis' were to be performed in church, whereas the psalm 'Miserere' and the funeral march were to be performed during the procession which accompanied the corpse to the cemetery. This release, featuring all parts of this service, delivers a nice portrayal of a most fascinating character in the European music scene of the early 19th century.