Join Julian Collings and the Barnes Choir as they bring to life Mozart’s iconic Requiem alongside Borodin’s vibrant Polovtsian Dances. Mozart’s masterpiece, known for its intricate choral passages and the poignant knowledge that the piece was left unfinished at the time of the composer’s untimely death, remains today one of the most enigmatic and revered works in the history of classical music. From the sombre, introspective tentativeness of the opening material to the wrathful Dies Irae, the Requiem’s journey of profound expression have made it an enduring and beloved work in the world of choral music.

Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances are among the impressive works of the Mighty Handful, a group of five Russian composers, including Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov, who sought to establish a unique Russian musical identity separate from Western European influences. The dances, which appear at the end of Borodin’s opera Prince Igor, encapsulate the group’s vision, saturating the music with Russian folk themes and other indigenous elements. Borodin, a skilled chemist and part-time composer, brought a deep understanding of folk music to these dances, infusing them with vibrant, lively rhythms and rich melodic textures. The result is a masterpiece that not only stands as a highlight of Borodin’s oeuvre, but also serves as a testament to the Mighty Handful’s dedication to Russian musical heritage and innovation.

PERFORMERS
Barnes Choir
Julian Collings, Conductor
Helen Semple, Soprano
Beth Moxon, Mezzo Soprano
Paul Hopwood, Tenor
James Geidt, Bass

Elspeth Wilkes and Peter Jaekel, Piano

PROGRAMME
Borodin Polovtsian Dances
Warlock Capriol Suite
Mozart Requiem

Photo Credit: @lngaze