Berlioz Requiem Trivia

1. Tonight we will perform the Requiem composed by French Romantic composer, Hector Berlioz. What is a requiem?

• Music of celebration
• Mass for the dead
• Mass for the living

2. Who commissioned French composer Berlioz to compose this piece in honor of the slain heroes of the Revolution of 1830?

• The French Government
• The American Government
• The British Parliament

3. The Berlioz Requiem is known as an epic piece. How many singers did Berlioz originally want singing in the chorus?

• 100
• 250
• Up to 800

*** Berlioz wanted 800 singers performing, but would settle for a minimum of 200 singers. When the piece premiered in 1837, it was sung by 400 vocalists. Tonight we have around 200 singers from the NatPhil Chorale & Baltimore Choral Arts.

4. The Berlioz Requiem also has a huge orchestra. There are four brass choirs surrounding the orchestra & chorus. How big is the orchestra?

• Over 100 musicians
• 200 musicians
• 300 musicians

5. Tonight we celebrate the retirement of National Philharmonic Chorale’s Artistic Director Dr. Stan Engebretson with this epic performance. How many years has Stan been with NatPhil?

• 5
• 17
• 10

 6. What did Stan do when the power went out during a performance?

• Stopped the show and sent everyone home
• Kept conducting & the chorale kept singing, and it all was perfectly timed!

7. Is Stan a dog or cat person?

• Cat

 8. NatPhil has huge concerts each year for the 2^nd graders in Montgomery County Public Schools. Which instrument did Stan play for the 1812 Overture?

• Timpani
• Canon
• flute

9. What piece has Stan conducted the most during his time with NatPhil?

• Handel’s Messiah
• Berlioz Requiem
• Bach Mass