Requiem

Requiem, that melodramatic genre of music dedicated to the dearly departed, has its roots firmly planted in the classical tradition, especially gaining popularity during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. Characterised by solemnity, choral arrangements, and orchestral accompaniment, it often sounds like a cross between mourning and rolling out the red carpet for the next world. The irony, of course, is that while it’s designed to commemorate loss, countless composers have used it as an opportunity to flex their musical muscles, making heaven sound rather grand indeed.