[ Verdi ], grave as usual , taking his position at the desk in the center of the stage and facing the four singers [ i . e ., soloists ], who were near the orchestra , gave the signal of attack , and the applause ceased as if by enchantment . … The “ Dies irae ,” with all the episodes which it comprises , was received with extraordinary favor . But at the “ Offertorium ” the enthusiasm knew no bounds , and the public insisted on the repetition of this admirable quartet with soloists . … They also encored the “ Sanctus ,” a fugue for double chorus , which was performed wonderfully . The magic wand of Verdi seemed to have electrified all the performers .
At the “ Agnus Dei ” the applause grew louder , and suppressed shouts broke out during the performance , so powerful was the inspiration which it revealed . The public , although they had exacted the repetition of the two preceding pieces , and although consideration for the artists warned them not to insist upon it in this case , could not refrain from unanimously crying out , “ Bis !” It was so overwhelming a demonstration that Verdi could do no less than obey with courtesy .
Instrumentation Three flutes including piccolo , two oboes , two clarinets , four bassoons , four horns , four trumpets plus four offstage trumpets , three trombones , tuba , timpani , bass drum , and strings ; plus four vocal soloists — soprano , mezzo-soprano , tenor , and bass — and a mixed chorus .
Musical Terms Bel Canto : Style of operatic singing that originated in Italian singing of multipart music and Italian courtly solo singing during the late 16th century .
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2022 – 23 CONCERT SEASON
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