Bronwen and I went to another orchestra concert last week. This time, Pinchas was conducting a programme that included Shostakovich’s first cello concerto (with Amanda as soloist) and Fauré’s Requiem. I hadn’t listened to this piece in a while, and I was completely taken by the performance. I went home and listened to a recording of it repeatedly over the next few days.I have yet to encounter a requiem that I didn’t love. Mozart? Check. Verdi? Awesome bass drum part. Brahms? Gotta crank the Dies Irae for full effect. There’s just something about the drama, the darkness, the big choral moments that really gets me going.In fact, I love requiems so much that I have decided to have at least one of them played at my funeral / memorial service. Not a CD, the real thing. My survivors will be tasked with engaging an orchestra, chorus, conductor and soloist for a performance of a requiem at my funeral. I’m not picky – it can be Mozart, Verdi, Brahms, or Fauré (no Duruflé, though). They’ll also have to book a church, arrange for chairs, music stands, music rental, stand lights, conductor podium, etc. I’m sure all this work will take their minds off my untimely passing.So, if you needed a bit more incentive to come celebrate my life, you’ll have the added bonus of hearing a requiem. Enjoy…