Though it has its roots in Catholic liturgy, the requiem – literally “rest” – has become common funereal goods within Western music both sacred and profane. In composing his Requiem, Jędrzej Siwek has mined the “backyard” of memories listening to pieces by Verdi and Ligeti on wonky cassette tape, crackly vinyl, and cheap audio equipment. It is irrelevant whether Siwek has set out to praise the form or deconstruct it. In either case, his pilfered and looped recordings, cascading strings, spectral voices, and some rot around the edges result in nine-piece cycle of bracing narrative drama and emotional poignancy. Perhaps the pieces are offered in honor of the musicians who played on the original recordings and are no longer with us. Instead of administering the last rites, he is giving them new life. Witness furthermore that Requiem was also featured in live performance, a recording of which is also available on his Bandcamp page.
Stephen Fruitman
Avant Music News 