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Tonality

The points to remember include:

• the overall tonality is A minor
• some sections modulate to major keys and ends in the relative major, C

Harmony

Verdi wrote the Requiem with intense harmonic devices, such as:

• dissonance throughout the entire work - perhaps the most dramatic example is the descending chromatic vocal lines over a tonic pedal in bars 5 to 8 on the words 'Dies Irae'

• complex harmonies, including diminished and added-note chords
• a wide range in pitch, which gives a heightened sense of drama and emotion

Dynamics and articulation

Verdi, like many composers in the Romantic period, exploited extreme dynamic ranges to help convey drama in the music. These are some of the most dramatic moments in Dies Irae:

• the final few bars close very softly and is marked pppp
• the brass section play frequently with accents at a fortissimo (ff) dynamic and are marked tutta forza, which means with force

Structure

The Requiem has the following order of sections:

1. Requiem Aeternam - Eternal Rest
2. Kyrie Eleison - Lord have Mercy
3. Lacrimosa - Mourning
4. Dies Irae - Day of Wrath
5. Domine Jesu - Lord Jesus Christ
6. Sanctus - Holy
7. Benedictus - Blessed be the Lord
8. Pie Jesu - Merciful Jesus
9. Agnus Dei - Lamb of God
10. Lux Aeterna - Eternal Light
11. Libera Me - Deliver Me
12. as a complete piece of work it is through-composed

Instrumentation

The piece has been written for a very large choir and orchestra. These instruments include:

• a solo vocal quartet (soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, bass)
• mixed chorus
• three flutes
• piccolo
• two oboes
• two clarinets
• four bassoons
• four French horns
• eight trumpets (four off stage)
• three trombones
• ophicleide
• timpani
• bass drum
• strings