Kirill Petrenko has served as Chief Conductor since 2019. The BPO also supports several chamber music ensembles.
Website: http://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/.
The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in Berlin in 1882 by 54 musicians under the name Frühere Bilsesche Kapelle (literally, "Former Bilse's Band"); the group broke away from their previous conductor Benjamin Bilse after he announced his intention of taking the band on a fourth-class train to Warsaw for a concert. The orchestra was renamed and reorganized under the financial management of Hermann Wolff in 1887. Their new conductor was Ludwig von Brenner; in 1887 Hans von Bülow, one of the most esteemed conductors in the world, took over the post. This helped to establish the orchestra's international reputation, and guests Hans Richter, Felix von Weingartner, Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Johannes Brahms and Edvard Grieg conducted the orchestra over the next few years.
Confutatis
Berliner Philharmoniker Lyrics
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Confutatis maledictis,
Flammis acribus addictis,
Voca me cum benedictis.
Oro supplex et acclinis;
Cor contritum quasi cinis:
Gere curam mei finis.
The lyrics of Berliner Philharmoniker's song "Confutatis" are taken from the Latin text of the Requiem Mass, specifically from the sequence known as the Dies Irae. The song portrays a poignant scene of judgment and divine retribution. The chorus sings "Confutatis maledictis" which translates to "the damned being confounded." It expresses the fate of those who are condemned, facing the torment of burning flames or "flammis acribus addictis."
The lyrics then shift to a plea for mercy as the chorus sings "Voca me cum benedictis," meaning "Call me with the blessed." This line signifies the hope for salvation despite the preceding imagery of damnation. The following lines, "Oro supplex et acclinis; Cor contritum quasi cinis," further emphasize a sense of repentance and humility. The singer realizes the frailty of their heart, broken like ashes.
The lyrics conclude with the plea "Gere curam mei finis," which can be interpreted as a request for guidance during their final moments. This line captures a sense of vulnerability and dependency on a higher power during the grand culmination of one's life.
Overall, the lyrics of "Confutatis" capture the dualistic aspects of judgment and mercy, portraying the contrast between condemnation and the longing for salvation, repentance, and divine care.
Line by Line Meaning
Confutatis maledictis
The accursed being silenced and defeated
Flammis acribus addictis
Bound by the intense flames
Voca me cum benedictis
Call me among the blessed
Oro supplex et acclinis
I humbly pray and prostrate
Cor contritum quasi cinis
A heart broken like ashes
Gere curam mei finis
Take care of my end
Lyrics © Histoire et Chansons, PETER PAN MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind