Tonin Harapi was born on June 9, 1926. He spent his childhood and early youth in an environment of musical traditions, such as the city of Shkodra with musicians such as: Palokë Kurti, Frano Ndoja, Martin Gjoka, Mikel Koliqi, Zef Shestani, Prenk Jakova, etc. The latter were also his music teachers and conductors of the orchestral formations where he trained as a future composer while studying at the Jesuit Papal Seminary in Shkodra.
But since the clergy were banned from artistic activity after World War II, Tonin Harapi had to practice his piano autodidactically until 1947 when he resumed his studies at the Artistic Lyceum in Tirana with other renowned lecturers of the time, such as: Lola Gjoka, Tonin Guraziu, Kostantin Trako, etc. As an autodidact he would continue to study and write in Shkodra and Gjirokastra (during military service) until he was finally allowed to pursue higher studies at the Moscow Conservatory (Tchaikovsky) (1959), where he could only stay for two years. He was a composition teacher at the Conservatory of Tirana. He was the winner of many awards and titles. He wrote children’s melodrama “Kufitarët”, children’s operetta “Mësimi i pyllit”, children’s tale “Djali guximtar”, opera “Zgjimi”, 19 romances, instrumental pieces for orchestra and chamber music.
Toni Harapi passed away on July 30, 1992. He was awarded the title “People’s Artist” posthumously. He played almost all genres of music, entertaining songs, children’s songs, classical, symphonic and stage music, opera, operetta, wrote choral works, romances, and elaborate folk songs.
On May 4, 2016 Tonin Harapi is honored (posthumously) by the President of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Bujar Nishani with the “Honor of Nation” Order.
About the work
The Requiem of Tonin Harapi is not only a unique work of the composer, but also a unique work of this genre in the entirety of the repertoire of Albanian Music and is undoubtedly one of the most important vocal works of the author. The work is divided into 24 parts. The composer failed to hear it performed because the work was only interpreted after his death. The work was interpreted on June 3, 1999 by NTOB and comes again on the stage after 20 years. As a master of the vocals, he comes up with a simple musical language that emphasizes melodics, with clear themes and easy to sing.
NTOB Choir
Conductor: Dritan Lumshi
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
Soloists:
Ramona Tullumani – Soprano
Ivana Hoxha – Mezzo soprano
Denis Skura – Tenor
Bledar Domi – Baritone
Program:
Tonin Harapi – “Waltz” and “Romance” for piano
Interpreter: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Requiem
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Kyrie eleison
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Dies Irae
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Quantus Tremor
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Tuba Mirum
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Mors stupebit
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Liber scriptus
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Judex ergo
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Quid sum miser
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Rex tremendae majestatis
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Recordare
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Quaerens
Soloist: Ramona Tullumani
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Juste Judex
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Ingemisco
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Qui Mariam absolvisti
Soloist: Ivana Hoxha
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Inter oves locum praesta
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Confutatis maledictis
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Oro suplex
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Lacrimosa, dies illa
Soloists: Ramona Tullumani, Ivana Hoxha, Denis Skura, Bledar Domi
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Sanctus
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Benedictus
NTOB Choir
Soloists: Denis Skura, Bledar Domi
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Agnus Dei
Soloists: Ramona Tullumani, Ivana Hoxha, Denis Skura, Bledar Domi
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Lux Aeterna
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi
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Libera me
NTOB Choir
Piano: Etrita Ibrahimi