Dies Irae: Fantasia

The Dies Irae is a hymn from the 13th century based on a poem describing the day of judgment, with the Latin words translating to mean day offerath. Deborah Baker Monday has taken the Dies Irae and interspersed some of her favorite settings of the theme throughout her freely composed Fantasia. Students will enjoy exploring the many techniques used in composing this fantasy, and there is also the opportunity to have students engage in critical listening activities to recognize the Dies Irae in many musical masterpieces.