The Latin text of the Requiem is set to traditional sections of the Requiem Mass , scripture , and a medieval poem " all added in at different times , but acquiring a weight and dignity through use and age . " The composer wrote , " I wanted a sense of ancient inheritance to inhabit my setting : a ritual steeped in the inevitability of death – gradually moving toward consolation and acceptance . " Harbison composed the piece through the initial shock and aftermath of the September 11 attacks , causing him to reflect on the meaning of the composition . He recalled , " My account of the genesis of the piece makes it clear that its sources go back fifteen years . But the events of that fall made my purposes clearer . I wanted my piece to have a sense of the inexorability of the passage of time , for good and ill , of the commonality of love and loss . I wanted to open up an aural space where this could be acknowledged . " He continued : The Requiem has a duration of approximately 58 minutes and is composed in two parts comprising thirteen smaller movements : '' ' Part I ' '' '' ' Part II ' '' Harbison described the two parts as " an accidental collection of words about mortality ( part I ) and continuity ( part II ) , to be shaped into a purposeful collection of sounds . " The work is scored for solo soprano , mezzo-soprano , tenor , baritone , SATB chorus , and an orchestra consisting of two flutes ( 2nd doubling piccolo ) , two oboes , two clarinets , two bassoons ( 2nd doubling contrabassoon ) , two horns , two trumpets , three trombones , timpani , three percussionists , piano ( doubling celesta ) , harp , and strings
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Requiem (Harbison)