For mezzo-soprano, violoncello, mixed choir and orchestra
Symphony No. 2
Requiem for a Poet
A symphony with voice, solo cello, mixed choir and orchestra, based on Marina Tsvetaeva’s poem Novogodnee.
Commission
Commissioned by NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover.
Poetic Source
Marina Tsvetaeva. Based on the poem Novogodnee, written shortly after the death of Rainer Maria Rilke.
Movements
Ten movements, played attacca.
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I. Agitato
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II. Tempo di Marcia funebre
- Funeral March Tempo
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III. Corale
- Chorale
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IV. Prichet
- Lament
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V. Canon
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VI. Interlude Misterioso
- Mysterious Interlude
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VII. Tempo di Marcia funebre
- Funeral March Tempo
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VIII. Adagio
- Lament
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IX. Tempo I
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X. Postlude
Work Information
Symphonic World
Requiem for a Poet is based on the poem Novogodnee by Marina Tsvetaeva. This poem was written shortly after the death of Rainer Maria Rilke, close to New Year of 1927.
Two soloists interact as in a dialogue between Tsvetaeva — mezzo-soprano — and Rilke — violoncello — in which Rilke no longer needs the aid of words.
Tsvetaeva and Rilke exchanged many letters, and with this poem, one of the greatest poems in the Russian language, their correspondence continued even after Rilke’s death. Thus, Tsvetaeva’s passionate monologue, addressed to a dead friend, becomes a dialogue: a symbol of love and poetry transcending physical limitations and boundaries.
Publisher and Materials
Published by Boosey & Hawkes / Sikorski. Score and rental materials are available through Zinfonia.