Elliot Del Borgo: Dies Irae
This symphonic poem is based on a chant attributed to Jacopone da Todi (c. 1230?1306) and describes the day of wrath and impending doom, while asking for mercy and salvation. The opening, treated like a Gregorian chant, soon moves into a whirlwind of energy as a large battery of percussion adds to the bold statements in the brass and flourishes in the upper woodwinds. A substantial work for your next concert program.