Helbig: Requiem A
08 May 2025
Sven Helbig · René Pape
Dresdner Kreuzchor
Staatskapelle Dresden
Martin Lehmann
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.
Release date: May 8, 2025
Label: Deutsche Grammophon