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Today in History: Verdi’s Requiem debuted in Milan honoring Manzoni

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 22 May 1874, Giuseppe Verdi conducted the premiere of his Messa da Requiem at Milan’s San Marco church, honoring the first anniversary of novelist Alessandro Manzoni’s death. The piece, scored for soloists, double choir and orchestra, celebrated Manzoni’s literary impact and marked a milestone in Verdi’s sacred works.

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Story summary

On 22 May 1874, Giuseppe Verdi conducted the premiere of his Messa da Requiem at Milan’s San Marco church, honoring the first anniversary of novelist Alessandro Manzoni’s death. The piece, scored for soloists, double choir and orchestra, celebrated Manzoni’s literary impact and marked a milestone in Verdi’s sacred works.