Christopher conducts Mozart's Requiem in Pisa Cathedral
September 22, 2011
For the 11th year running, Pisa Cathedral plays host to the Anima Mundi International Festival of Sacred Music,
giving audiences the opportunity to hear some of the most powerful and
moving sacred works in one of the world's most breath-taking sacred
spaces. Christopher opened the festival on 17 September, directing
Mozart's Ave Verum and Requiem, performed by the Orchestra Maggio Musicale and soloists.
Italian newspaper La Repubblica Firenze ranks Christopher's interpretation of the Mozart Requiem
as a turning-point in the history of the composition. Stripping away
the marks left by years of 'romantic' interpretations and using an
approach based on an understanding of the works' origins and genesis,
Christopher brings the score to life with strong rhythms and "an inner
wildness".
In the interview Christopher notes the great headway made by the exponents of historically-informed performance practice since the 1960s and how this approach has successfully permeated mainstream practices. Italian-speaking readers can enjoy the article in-full by clicking on the image to the right.