Rufus Wainwright’s latest musical work, Dream Requiem, draws inspiration from a historic event and a timeless theme. The piece explores the aftermath of the 1815 Mount Tambora volcanic eruption and the fear it caused, with a modern twist. It will make its U.S. debut in Los Angeles on Sunday, featuring narration by actor and activist Jane Fonda.
Wainwright, the Canadian-American musician known for his unique theatrical pop style, composed Dream Requiem during the difficult years following the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic. As the world began to heal, Wainwright turned to Lord Byron’s 19th-century poem “Darkness,” which captures the devastation following the eruption of Mount Tambora, one of the most powerful volcanic events in history.
The eruption, which released enormous amounts of ash and debris, caused what became known as the “year without summer.” The effects of this disaster were felt globally, disrupting agriculture and leading to widespread famine. This apocalyptic event serves as a backdrop for Wainwright’s new work.
A Musical Requiem for a Chaotic World
Wainwright says the themes of the poem resonate strongly with our current world. In the face of climate change and political turmoil, he believes that our sense of doom is not so different from what people experienced in the early 19th century.
“In this day and age, it’s a similar kind of intense sense of doom,” Wainwright shared in an interview before the Los Angeles performance. “We might be a bit more aware of the dangers now, but who can say what the future holds?”
The Dream Requiem project is a reflection of these feelings of fear and hope, set against the backdrop of a world recovering from a pandemic and grappling with climate change. Wainwright sees the piece as a way to confront these fears while offering a sense of redemption through music.
The Los Angeles Premiere with Jane Fonda
The premiere of Dream Requiem in Los Angeles is highly anticipated. The performance will feature narration by Jane Fonda, an actress with a long history of activism. Fonda, now 87, has been a leading voice in climate change advocacy, making her a fitting choice to narrate this piece.
Wainwright said Fonda’s participation adds emotional weight to the work, especially given her dedication to causes that resonate with the themes of his requiem.
She is widely regarded as one of the great heroines of our time. Given the struggles America has faced in recent months, Wainwright believes her involvement will add even more emotional depth to the performance.
The Los Angeles performance will also include the Los Angeles Master Chorale, further enhancing the musical experience. Fonda’s connection to the work makes it even more significant, especially as she continues to push for change in the face of global environmental challenges.
Global Premiere and Recordings
Dream Requiem had its global premiere in Paris last summer at the Auditorium de Radio France. The event featured narration by Meryl Streep and soprano Anna Prohaska. The work was met with praise for its ambitious scope and emotional depth. A recording of the piece is now available through Warner Classics, allowing audiences worldwide to experience Wainwright’s vision.
A Reflection of Our Time
With Dream Requiem, Wainwright offers a musical exploration of catastrophe and redemption, drawing connections between past and present struggles. As the world faces ongoing challenges, his work provides a moment of reflection and a call for hope. The performance in Los Angeles will surely leave a lasting impact on audiences, just as its global debut did in Paris.
