Princess Diana's Funeral: Verdi Requiem, performed by Lynne Dawson (High Quality Audio)

an outstanding performance by one of Britain's most popular operatic Sopranos, Lynne Dawson with Verdi's Requiem. Lynne's website has her diary from the time she made her remarkable performance before a live TV audience of over two billion people.
www.lynnedawson...
Libera me, Domine, de morte aeterna, in die illa tremenda quando coeli movendi sunt, et terra:
dum veneris judicare saeculum per ignem.
Tremens factus sum ego et timeo, dum discussio venerit, atque ventura ira.
Dies illa, dies irae, calamitatis et miseriae, dies magna et amara valde.
Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis.
Translation from Latin:
Deliver me, O Lord, from eternal death in that dread day when the heavens and the Earth shall be shaken, and you will come to judge the world by fire.
I tremble in awe of the judgment and the coming wrath.
Day of wrath, day of calamity and woe, great and exceeding bitter day.
Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

[@rebeccagrieger429]

This is the most moving music I remember of Princess Diana's funeral

[@rebeccagrieger429]

❤❤❤

[@cappygolucky]

Absolutely

[@dchswroboe7569]

Forget about Elton John, you all. This is the real music. This is not a common requiem. Verdi alone gives justice to the lonely souls, just like lady diana's sweet one.

[@lizfrancis8925]

😂😂😂😂

[@JeanieJohnston]

This is one of the most emotional gut-wrenching moments from Princess Diana's funeral. Its sooooo sad.

[@victoriahooper1712]

It still makes me gasp it's as you say gut wrenching. Lynn Dawson was absolutely wonderful.

[@jcw9539]

We were in floods

[@nicolelawless9942]

I had requested a lot of the late Princess Diana’s music from her funeral to be played in my funeral last year but thankfully I had recovered from the illness i had. Me and Woody.EXE planned it together whilst Mummy, Princess of Wales slept at our side in hospital and I had it planned just days before i nearly died. I was only 20 when I had it and I made it to 21. Princess Diana’s funeral haunts me knowing that could have been me last year

[@victoriahooper1712]

This was absolutely out of this world the way Lynne's voice sailed through the Abbey was just absolutely wonderful. It still makes me gasp. Forget Elton John's ghastly song this is absolutely beautiful ❤️❤️❤️ Pure perfection 💖💖💖

[@nelixsulu6201]

Yea I don't like Elton's performance as much as this one. I'm assuming his was so hyped up because he's a celebrity.

[@helenJones-lc4sc]

She is like a angel, such an ethereal feel to it.

[@memuellerpac]

Lynne Dawson breaks through the barriers of the human and touches the divine. The angels must have cried.

[@gloriaroulette6607]

memuellerpac absolutely on point.

[@mckavitt13]

memuellerpac Yes. And she does it more than occasionally. A great singer.

[@TedinNY]

I sure did...

[@renehendriks2815]

Nice!

[@vrfvfdcdvgtre2369]

LUKE 15: 10 "I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

[@iwasglad122]

I can't even begin to imagine the 'stress' (and that's a totally inadequate word) of performing this feat of musical perfection under such unique circumstances. Ms Dawson's performance was beyond world-class. It stunned me on the day and does so every single time I hear it so very many years later. I also feel that mention must be made of the orchestral accompaniment masterfully adapted on the Abbey organ by the wonderful Martin Baker. Sublime in its entirety.

[@MS-19]

Not long after this performance, Lynne Dawson blogged about it, revealing that the stress was compounded by the fact that the Verdi excerpt was added to the order of service just two or three days beforehand, so she had that much notice, equating to very little preparation and not much sleep. The last-minute addition of the piece was also the reason why the BBC Singers were present - when the request was put to the Abbey Organist and Master of the Choristers (Martin Neary), he said that there wouldn't be time for the choir boys to master it, but that he might see if the BBC Singers could be engaged. Being a full-time professional chamber choir, they would be able to perform the chorus on just one rehearsal.

[@TheMrWillje]

It was quite stressful for her, actually. I'm her son and she said that even though she tried to treat it like any other performance (even though she refused the money), it was still a lot more emotionally-charged for her.

[@stevebaker6149]

@@TheMrWillje But she was outstanding despite the undoubted pressure. A performance despite the stress that earned her a place in musical history.

[@racheldemain1940]

Sometimes these professionals want to do it, see it as a privilege to be asked. I am sure the much needed adrenaline will have kicked in for the service.

[@latanyahewitt653]

​​@@TheMrWillje thank you for this information, I've been looking for this breathtaking music for so long. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Lifesaver1905]

Lynne Dawson captured the sound of mourning and plaintive Seraphim and Cherubim distraught over the soul of Diana leaving the earthy plain for eternal rest all too soon. So haunting. Captured the emotion of the world.

[@wendyw651]

The pianisissimo high note alone is proof of her absolute mastery.

[@LucileCoccinelle]

I absolutely agree, it's hard to find a version of this piece where the soprano gets it right.

[@FredericaE]

I didn't breathe !!

[@edwardmuse8801]

LYNNE DAWSON'S VOICE IS DIVINE

[@trishfergus3767]

I have listened to many performances of this, but have never found one to match it. Lynne Dawson’s pitch and timing is sublime. Some performers rush it and don’t hold top notes for long enough but she times the held notes perfectly. Has she been made a Dame yet? If not, why not? She deserves the Honour.

[@TheMrWillje]

She definitely needs to be made a Dame. She's my mum and I'd like to say that I have a Dame for a mother

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

@@TheMrWillje if true, your mother's voice is truly beautiful ⚘

[@TheMrWillje]

@@clairelivefreeordie2551 haha it is true! I'll pass along your compliment.

[@stephenbaker2105]

@@TheMrWillje If you are indeed her son, please tell her from me that this is the single most beautiful piece of singing that I, and many others, have ever heard!

[@willgeegillis6834]

Totally agree!

[@nrosen8794]

Lynne Dawson is an heroic figure, able to give her all before an audience of billions.

[@mikefvogt]

This has haunted me with it's beauty all these years. I remember that funeral as if it were yesterday. I am so thrilled to find this here after years of searching. This is hands down the most beautiful performance of anything by anyone I have seen.

[@micaelakerley2351]

Yes, I feel the same.

[@merin797]

Agree. Lynne nailed this on that terrible day.

[@phyllismiller9424]

HOW BEAUTIFUL THE MUSIC 😪 HOW SAD THE OCCASION 😭

[@MizzSparkle90]

If one could pick a favourite part of any funeral ... This is insanely stunning. 😢

[@TheGCQ2011]

If angels existed, they most certainly wept upon hearing Dawson's sing this piece. Goosebumps.

[@ukatofarticus9046]

In 1966 my Grandparents introduced Prince Charles to this song while staying in Australia for 6 months. It's crazy to think that a few decades later it would become such a beautiful and tragic musical item during Princess Diana's funeral.

[@sueatblueyonder]

This still haunts me and I will never forget this heartbreaking day as long as I live.

[@breakaliciouskid786]

this is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard..

[@lindabartlett2489]

I totally agree....so exquisite.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

The Libera Me from Verdi's Requiem is what the human soul sounds like.

[@crcanny]

One of the most spectacular performances of this ever recorded and probably the best that ever will be.

[@stevejulietb1590]

A gem in one of if not the most moving public funeral ever.

[@cappygolucky]

They shouldn’t have let Elton John play.

[@kaktus55100]

The passing of the Princess was so devastating, this musical injection at Her funeral served to speed Her journey to Heaven, pursued not by the paparazzi. Lynne is perfection.

[@kparsa1]

This version is so haunting even without it being performed at a funeral....

[@edwardmuse8801]

LYNNE DAWSON VOICE IS ANGELIC THAT STANDS ALONE

[@victoriahooper1712]

Absolutely fabulous. But everyone went for Elton John. No comparison. This haunting voice which sails to the heavens.

[@mckavitt13]

Victoria Hooper I love Elton, but agree w you here, absolutely.

[@davidphillips4063]

Indeed. This is genuine skill and talent, not busking.

[@Joe-gu6oe]

The two are not meant to compare.

[@davidphillips4063]

@@Joe-gu6oe I wasn't. I was noting a difference.

[@Joe-gu6oe]

@@davidphillips4063 I'm sorry David.

[@ThePlataf]

I had never heard this before today, when I finally watched "The Queen". I'm in total awe.

[@KittyAllChainedUp]

I think the angels DID cry; heaven knows I did. RIP Diana; there will never be anyone like you, again.

[@ovalbeach]

The Libera me portion of the Requiem has ALWAYS been my favorite part of this piece...I usually fast forward to about 1 hour and 15 minutes to catch this final act. Superb. Seen many renditions of this particular portion, Caballe being one...and Lynne Dawson is up there amongst the best.

[@francescomazzella5940]

Absolutely superb, but Leontyne Price...

[@barrymorentz5190]

This sublime piece of music was used in the 1965 film The Greatest Story Ever Told when Jesus was carrying the cross. It sent chills up my spine then, but as I came to know the entire Requiem over the years it has moved me even more. Listen to both Leontyne Price and Monserrat Caballe and your spirit will soar beyond belief. And, yes, Ms Dawson did a superlative job under the most trying of circumstances.

[@glendalockhart8131]

I absolutely love Lynn Dawson!! She has such a beautiful voice .

[@mckavitt13]

glenda lockhart I’m the same. She could sing the phone book & I’d be hooked.

[@bethmc717]

Yes definitely, flawless breath taking

[@MS-19]

As a professional musician, I've had the opportunity of working with Lynne Dawson. She's a pleasure to meet and speak to.

[@michaelwilson3777]

I've been lucky enough to have been to one of this lady's concerts. As someone who has been going regularly to classical vocal concerts for 30 years, this lady's voice was one of the best I've ever heard, and I have heard many of the most famous female opera singers. She sounds divine on this video, but can you imagine how much better she sounds live. I wish I'd been fortunate to see her more than once, but even once was an unforgettable experience.

[@victoriahooper1712]

I absolutely agree with you her voice is absolutely beautiful she is wonderful when I play it even now she really takes you to the heavens.

[@choirfreak26]

God, I remember being 11 years old and watching this live. I am still in love with this woman's voice and this performance never fails to make me emotional even after all these years.

[@victoriahooper1712]

Same with me she sang and the whole world heard her absolutely beautiful

[@georgenelarossa1386]

Still listening after all the years. Beautiful and chilling. Tears come immediately.

[@SuperVonny]

I’ve returned to watch this again. 2024 and we remember this day like yesterday. I was working as security that day at the funeral, a day I shall never forget. After the Courtage passed by I had to work next to the huge screen in Hyde Park forming a human chain with collegues. We could only hear what the thousands could see on the large screen as we were looking out towards the crowd. I have never seen so much sadness as far as the eye could see. 😢 x

[@GrammyTapDancing]

She was the angel singing to honor our Princess Diana as tho descending her home to our Lord in heaven peace at last

[@jeremytidswell7792]

It may be nearly 25 years ago but despite the tragic occasion still sounds as stunning today as it did then. WOW.

[@skylarkvalentin]

I remember watching the funeral and being in awe of this lady's voice- ethereal and beautiful. Wish I could buy this on iTunes. Thank you so much for putting this on KZbin. RIP Diana

[@MrRalphs56]

skylarkvalentin I still break with just the first note😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@i.l.macdonald2069]

There is a BBC recording of the funeral music on CD

[@vincenzodierna7547]

Molto brava Line Dawson !

[@nigeace]

I did buy the funeral service on CD on the back of this performance.

[@mckavitt13]

Vincenzo Dierna Si! Molta brava, bravissima!

[@vector8310]

One syllable of this performance is worth more than all the songs of Beyonce and Taylor Swift combined.

[@Mulberry2000]

not fair none of them had the training this woman had.

[@rustaard]

@@Mulberry2000 she was a late bloomer, Lynne Dawson didn't start singing opera until her forties...maybe they can catch up with the training or maybe it's just a God given talent never to be repeated. Definitely a career best performance of Lynne's, she never sounded so amazing like she's beckoning the peoples princess to the halls of heaven, channelling the grief of the world.

[@Mulberry2000]

@@rustaard Still very good. She teached for years and still does. As for talent, all it takes is interest, inclination , support and lots of money to get to that stage. For years people tell others you cannot do stuff, imagine if we are told not be poor. Meaning we are programmed to be poor. For example i was told at 10 by a teacher i cannot sing, at 13 i was told i could never learn German because i could not speak french. So i never did. imagine if i was told the opposite. i hated music lessons at school, but now can play the piano, and guitar. Imagine that.

[@rustaard]

@@Mulberry2000 not really sure how it relates to Beyonce and Taylor 😜 but I think you can do anything you put your mind to 👍, as in Lynne's case only becoming famous in her 40s! Yes she's quite the academic! You should try learning French, you'd be surprised how much we borrow from it in English. German is a nightmare, don't bother it ruined my French haha. Always wish I could play an instrument, maybe I should follow your lead and give it a try too 😊 but yeah I agree with you the power of the mind, perception and positive reinforcement is crucial for a growing and adult mind alike😊

[@ThePlataf]

@@Mulberry2000 And boy, it really shows!

[@allisonmaddison4882]

Watched Diana’s funeral on here the other day, never cried so much. The music was absolutely beautiful. I was only 8 when she passed, so I appreciate it a lot more now I’m older. Still very much missed. Rest in Peace Diana 💞

[@racheldemain1940]

I was 27 and it was 2 months after my Godfather's death.people thought I was sad for Diana. I was but a closer relationship was being mourned . Hearing this at Diana's Funeral had me in bits .

[@leislavalon3391]

One of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. Haunting and heartbreaking and ethereal. Just WOW.

[@maryannedavid6983]

So very emotional.....so beautiful.....never knew this was sung at her funeral.. Do not miss an Ochestra.....brilliant!

[@philipsalmon6597]

I have always said music is man's greatest invention, Lynne Dawson singing from Verdi's Requiem must leave no doubt!

[@helengreening6842]

So extremely emotional, I remember hearing this at Diana's funeral which was very sad and then this also .. brings a lump to my throat whenever I hear it !

[@peace-now]

Breathtaking rendition of Libera Me by Lynne Dawson. It is possibly the most memorable part of the funeral, along with her brother's speech. The requiem was Diana's favorite piece. Solti was meant to give this concert as a memorial to Diana. Solti died himself, and they dedicated the Libera Me which features here to both Diana and Solti: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qITYqYWYfauth7M

[@kagirl70]

Stunning performance 😢😢

[@daversmack3585]

Simply beautiful and fitting for such a loving and beautiful woman Diana Princess of Wales ❤️

[@JayJay-lu4et]

I love it accompanied by the organ. It makes this particular performance unique. I wish to hear it someday with organ and orchestra combined.

[@dianemacdougall319]

This is truly the most perfect expression of this deeply tragic death of beloved Diana and the daily loss for all her family. Thank you for posting this magnificent performance from Diana’s funeral. What a gift Mrs Dawson has. God bless you, Mrs Dawson.

[@msmagpie5620]

the most beautiful singing I have ever heard..Dianna is with god.he will keep her close and protect her ,of that I know.

[@gloriaroulette6607]

This song is like being taken to ancient times,our beautiful princess😢the world mourned for you,cried for you😢never forgotten ever❤

[@virginiafry9854]

The first time that Charles and Diana ‘went out together’ they went to see Verdi’s Requiem. They were chaperoned by Diana’s grandmother, Lady Firmoy

[@Mulberry2000]

Remember the choir as well, excellent voices. At the end they sang libre morte, ie death frees us

[@SuaveH1990]

Beginning gives me chills 🔥🔥

[@arlenehensley6753]

What a beautiful voice!

[@Denuhm]

@choirfreak26 I was seven... it was the day I decided I would be an opera singer... never looked back

[@Wanch1e1ady]

Exquisite voice. Tragic circumstance.

[@43mane]

I am so glad, because I already found this wonderful song from Diana’s requiem!

[@BurnAmazonDown]

Magnificent, I still get goosebumps from this piece of genius. A stunning moment in the service-absolutely perfect. I've been searching for a good recording of it. Have they really never recorded the full Requiem with her? I can't find it anywhere. What a national treasure she is!

[@philipsalmon6597]

Well said I totally agree.

[@castoputa]

There's a definitive recording of Lynne Dawson on Decca performing this masterpiece....

[@CoasterUK1]

an absolute perfect perfomance for a sad occasion

[@BrennFilm]

What power... what restraint...

[@mckavitt13]

BrennFilm Her greatest power is her restraint.

[@joshuakampamba9061]

One part of the funeral that I remember vividly 😭😭😭miss you alot Diana 🪴💓🇿🇲

[@HaFannyHa]

Utterly heartrending, so beautiful. I can't listen without tears welling up. Lynne Dawson delivered pure magic.

[@MagicCarpetMusic]

So exquisitely beautiful, beyond words.

[@babsclark8572]

o my goodness this was the ONE INCREDIBLE

[@vincenzomoscini4155]

E' la prova che gli angeli esistono

[@rebeccarodgers3649]

I always wondered what the singers name was when I first watched the funeral. I loved her voice and thought my high school choir director would have been proud to hear this soprano Lynne Dawson so beautiful and dignified the way she performed this with such grace on such a sad day for England and the world.

[@fran.escalona]

My God those pianissimos.

[@andrewd63]

I don't think I've heard this sung more beautifully, thank you for posting this.

[@Dottydewinter3397]

I tingled from my toes all the way up to my scalp like an electric shock.how powerful is that.im dumbstruck.

[@FriendofRamblinJack]

My 90-yr-old Iwo Jima Uncle, a Franciscan Friar, first devoted his life to our Nation in helping to save the world, and then again as an Army Paratrooper to help save South Korea, thereafter spent his remaining life devoted to God and restoring our Calif Missions and helping others -- crossed over to Heaven yesterday, and I am listening to this for comfort and rejoicing that he is now in Heaven again with our family and Jesus. Amen. Thank you, Lynne Dawson, for the most brilliant rendition of this masterpiece. God bless all -- USCG Mom

[@mckavitt13]

Nance Schmance Bless your uncle, bless you.

[@jdt0045]

One of the most talented sopranos on the planet, such a tribute to perform this for Diana....

[@andresfcastanoescritor]

Libera me domine de morte aeterna, in die illa tremendae quando coelli movendi sunt et terrae

[@simonettarossi1257]

magnifica voce

[@mohumphreys]

Haunting

[@KRyann10]

this is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

I watched Diana's funeral but don't remember this. Angelic!

[@emiliafowler8366]

that's an amazing voice!!

[@altsystemsgone]

Thank you, Tom, for posting this. I looked for this piece, for a long time and could never find it without all the commentary. I am so grateful that you were able to put this up on youtube! Thank you!

[@connienye9188]

So soulful, beautiful,words are not enough

[@BucurEST1989]

Divine voice and the acoustics must of been enlightening to the core, liberating the Spirit.

[@msmagpie5620]

when Lynne Dawson sang this beautiful song ,she was singing wrong had been done her singing and grief expressed in this song said all the pain beautifull princess suffered

[@frjimt9455]

Ms Magpie ... The requiem is not just about the grief,pain & suffering...read the words .... They are of hope

[@msmagpie5620]

@@frjimt9455 I don,t need to read the words ,the song spells it for me,raw grief.

[@user-im9to1jd4v]

Sublime 🙏🏻

[@AndreSantos-rb3dn]

This is profoundly beautiful and deeply touching.

[@timothysimpson-inspire]

I hadn’t heard this before. Awesome!

[@babsclark8572]

totally Incredible.

[@user-il5oq5df6l]

Deliver me, O Lord, from eternal death, when you come to judge the world by fire.

[@francescomazzella5940]

Whow! Mrs. Dawson, your Sing ing Prayer fly very high, and deep in the hearth!

[@jdmdallas]

Still missing your presence on earth. 🌎

[@donallally4892]

Yes indeed folks, this was magnificent stuff, well done Lynne Dawson and the Choir and the Conductor, wonderful. I'm quite sure Diana loved it and was bopping along to it

[@MasterIsh91]

@Ashcraze She was playing Pamina in a production of Magic Flute I think, there's a kind of diary entry on her website. She's my head of department at RNCM and she is such a lovely lady :)

[@mckavitt13]

Tommy Pickles Why am I not surprised at all you say? Thanks, anyhow, for confirming my impressions.

[@chrisbrown6929]

Chills

[@Hagolino]

Yes, she came in from Berlin, where she performed at "Staatsoper unter den Linden".

[@nikolaacimovic8854]

very deep and solemn Performance of Libera me morti eterna....

[@puttypiss]

Hauntingly beautiful which summed up the solemn occasionally perfectly.

[@mrjay4178]

Powerful.

[@maureenball6733]

Everything top quality - as always.

[@alexandriasmith8986]

So beautiful

[@juliabushkova]

1:51 and on...

[@joshuakampamba9061]

That day the world stopped, possed in shock not knowing how to start again and move on. I don't even know how we moved on but am certain ot was by God's grace❤❤❤ love you Diana francis. All we wanted is for her to be happy.🌹💐🇿🇲

[@raquelcosta458]

Wonderful 😢

[@Black_people]

If only an orchestra walked in and busted out the DIES IRAE part of Verdi's requiem