War Requiem is a large-scale choral and orchestral work by English composer Benjamin Britten, completed in 1961. The composition interweaves the Latin Requiem mass with English war poetry, juxtaposing liturgical choruses and solo lines with dissonant harmonies, striking orchestral colours and contrasting ensembles; it was written for the reconsecration of Coventry Cathedral and represents a major mid-career statement in Britten's catalogue and in post-war choral repertoire.
