After Gioachino Rossini's death in 1868, Giuseppe Verdi suggested that a number of Italian composers collaborate on a Requiem in Rossini's honor. Unfortunately the project was abandoned by the organisation. But not much later, upon hearing of the death of the Italian writer and humanist Alessandro Manzoni, Giuseppe Verdi resolved to complete a Requiem, this time entirely of his own writing.

The 'Messa da Requiem' is a musical setting of the Catholic funeral mass (Requiem) for four soloists, d...