Requiem für einen jungen Dichter

Requiem für einen jungen Dichter
Lingual
Oratorio by Bernd Alois Zimmermann
EnglishRequiem for a Young Poet
TextLiterary, philosophical and political texts
Language
  • Latin
  • German
  • Russian
  • others
Composed1967 (1967)–1969
Performed1969 (1969)
Scoring
  • Soprano
  • baritone
  • 2 speakers
  • 3 choirs
  • orchestra
  • jazz band

Requiem für einen jungen Dichter (Requiem for a Young Poet) is an extended composition by Bernd Alois Zimmermann, written from 1967 to 1969 for two speakers, soprano and baritone soloists, three choirs, jazz band, organ, tapes and a large orchestra. Subtitled Lingual (speech work), it sets a text that includes the Latin liturgical Mass for the Dead and literary, philosophical, religious and political texts, related to politics and the history of mind during the composer's life. The work has elements of a cantata, an oratorio and an audio play.

Requiem für einen jungen Dichter was published by Schott, and has been recorded several times.