University of Bielsko-Biała Choir - Dan Forrest: Requiem for the Living (2019)

"Requiem for the Living" is a song commissioned in 2013 by the Hickory North Carolina Choral Society from New York composer Dan Forest. The work in just a few years lived to see enormous popularity and countless performances around the world.
The first Polish registration of this song is the recording of the Choir and Chamber Orchestra of the Bielsko-Biała Academy of Technology and Humanities under the direction of Jan Borowski with outstanding soloists: Anna Ogińska (soprano), Wiktoria Zawistowska (mezzo-soprano) and Rafał Majzner (tenor).
In the poignant song, the creator has made many changes to the widely known formula of traditional musical funeral mass, making Requiem for the Living an innovative and unprecedented work.
The over 40-minute song is a kind of transcendental prayer for peace and respite for both the living and the dead. He based his work on the liturgical texts of Requiem, in which the composer's own verses are woven.
The opening is "Introit - Kyrie", followed by the "Vanitas Vanitatum" which is moving and aggressive in its message.
The soothing sounds of the beautiful "Agnus Dei" and the calm song "Lux Aeterna" bring relief. Both parts are separated by the ethereal "Sanctus".
"Requiem for the Living" by Dan Forrest is one of the greatest musical works of the 21st century to date. A poignant, inspired and passionate song provokes reflection on human vanity and losing the meaning of life in serenity with power and the desire for possession. The very important message of the song also brings relief to pain, regret and sadness ruthlessly consuming humanity today.
Forrest refers to the timeless values ​​that exist outside the material sphere of existence, framing the message with touching sounds.
On the CD issued by the DUX label, we find full craftsmanship and commitment. Outstanding soloists, the choir and chamber orchestra from Bielsko-Biała, conducted by Jan Borowski, not only did the work perfectly, but in a convincing, suggestive and passionate manner conveyed the artist's idea.
The first Polish registration of "Requiem for Life" by Dan Forrest is definitely one of the most important phonographic items of 2019.