The text from Verdi’s Dies irae comes from one of the most famous melodies of the Gregorian Chant and means Day of Wrath. Recommended reading: What are the lyrics and translation of Verdi’s ‘Dies Irae’ – and which films have I heard it in?
Lacrimosa – from Mozart’s Requiem in D minor. Mozart composed part of the requiem before his death. I highly recommend watching the movie Amadeus which shows a fictionalized story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Manon Lescaut premiered in 1893 and was Puccini’s first real success. Set in the 1700s France, Manon Lescaut is about to be sent to a convent by order from her father, but meets a student and decides to run away with him and create her own destiny.
There’s something deeply intimate, profound and heroic with the prelude to Wagner’s Lohengrin. I hope to one day hear this piece in person, but until then this recording does a pretty amazing job. Which music transports you to another world?