Sanctuary Choir Loft

The strains of the sinister Dies Irae (“The Day of Wrath”) are heard frequently in Stanley Kubrick’s films, particularly throughout "The Shining" and in portions of "A Clockwork Orange". This most famous Christian doomsday hymn has been attributed to the 13th-century composer Thomas of Celano. In the 16th century it became an obligatory part of the Requiem Mass, which has its place at funerals, memorial services, and on All Souls’ Day. It evokes the apocalyptic picture of the dissolution of the world into ashes and implores the Lord not to cast the repentant sinner into outer darkness. Join Brent Hylton as he discusses the numerous classical composers who have quoted it in their works to demonic effect. Most notable occurrences include Hector Berlioz in the Symphonie Fantastique; Franz Liszt in the monumental Totentanz for Piano and Orchestra and Camille Saint-Saens in the Danse Macabre among others. This presentation is not intended for the faint of heart!