Today at 2:30 the Milwaukee Symphony, its Chorus, and the Milwaukee Children's Chorus, three soloists, and a gaggle of extra brass, percussion, and organist(s!!!) will perform the last of the War Requiem concerts.
Trust me--Delfs has this thing figured out VERY well. Last night's show was masterful.
Get there an hour early to hear some insights in the Anello Atrium which may be helpful.
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Here's Jeff Poniewaz's review in the "Shepherd Express," (temporarily) at http://www.shepherd-express.com/ae_feature.htm
Thanks!
The more one studies the texts of Owen's work (at least those in the WR), the more it becomes clear that Owen was not a 'knee-jerk' anti-war type, contrary to the endless (mindless) yappaflappa of the critics.
In fact, one poem begins:
"Be slowly lifted up, thou long black arm,"--and goes on to specifically bless the cannon's 'work' of "beating down that Arrogance"...
But when the work is finished, "May God curse thee, and cut thee from our soul!"
Hardly a "peace-at-any-price" work.
In a conversation with a leftist-leaning singer-colleague, it finally occurred to me that the thrust of Owen's work is "pro-life," consonant with the Church's Requiem Mass text (although in differing modes, obviously.)
Owen's work specifically attacks "Arrogance" especially that of 'old men' who sacrifice legions of youth for the 'old men's [ego]'--THAT is the "arrogance" which Owen's cannon should 'beat down.'
If you didn't make the performance (even if you did) you should buy one of the recordings. It's worth having in the library.
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