Dresden-based composer/producer, Sven Helbig, presents 'Requiem A' to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, honoring the victims of war and sending a profound plea for peace. The world premiere performance was recorded on February 9, 2025 at Dresden's Kreuzkirche and performed by the Dresden Kreuzchor, Saxon State Orchestra and celebrated bass-baritone Rene Pape with conductor Martin Lehmann. Released by Deutsche Grammophon, this poignant work seeks to serve as a universal message of remembrance, reconciliation, and cultural exchange.

 

Composer and producer Sven Helbig releases his new album Requiem A yesterday, to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The album was created to honor the victims of war and send a profound plea for peace.

The title is inspired by Helbig’s daughter, who said the A stands for “beginning” (Anfang): “I thought that was wonderful, because that’s exactly where the answer lies. After a conflict, or after a painful loss, you have to find your way back to life. I decided not to thematise the war. Every war develops from some kind of smouldering hurt. Forgiveness is a big word, but it is the only key to dealing with it and finding a new beginning. Breath is also an important word in Requiem A because it stands for life and beginning.”

With Requiem A, Helbig has created a moving, timeless Requiem in his reduced, haunting musical language. The album is released digitally, on CD, and on vinyl.