The Requiem Mass has a long and rich musical history stretching from medieval chant to modern day compositions. Beginning in the 17th century, composers began to play with the texts of the Requiem itself, which opened the door for composers like Brahms and Howells to take great liberties with their settings altogether. Yet a common theme throughout all of these diverse settings is light perpetually shining upon those who are now at rest. As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, war in Ukraine, and the devastating effects of climate change and natural disasters, Ensemble VIII offers our own Requiem for the times through a compilation of music spanning 1,000 years.