About the piece
A fragment of the Dies irae sequence that contrasts the punishment of the damned (“Confutatis maledictis”) with a serene plea (“Voca me cum benedictis”). The edition, 40 measures long, carries the four choir voices, the organ and the parts of the wind, brass and timpani orchestra.
How to prepare it
This is an advanced work, and the challenge is contrast: the men sing with energy, rhythmically and aggressively, and the women answer with a soft, sustained line. Rehearse each section separately, starting with the intonation of the soft line of the sopranos and altos, then add the drive of tenors and basses with a metronome. The Latin diction must be clear in both characters.
When to use it
It is music for Lent and funerals, and is often included in concerts of the complete Requiem.