Factoids:
- Durufle' (that should be an accent, but I don't know the shortcut) is one of the finest organists and composers for the organ, of the last century.
- As a performer, Durufle' toured extensively and premiered the Organ Concerto of fellow French composer, Francis Poulenc.
- Sadly Durufle' was in a horrific car crash in 1975, suffering significant injuries and ending his performing career.
- This particular piece is the final movement taken from his multi-movement work Requiem.
- The Latin word, Requiem, literally translates to "rest," but is the formal term for the Funeral Mass.
- Hundreds of composers wrote settings of the Requiem including: Mozart, Berlioz, Verdi, Vittoria, and Faure' to name a few.
- Although it was not uncommon for music to have chant-like influences, it is very rare for composers to use an actual chant.
- Throughout his 40 minute Requiem, Durufle' uses actual precomposed chant that was written nearly 100 years earlier.
- Given the text (May the angels welcome you to paradise), it is appropriate that the music has a distinct feeling of ascension facilitated by the light, lyrical soprano line.
Enjoy!
Extra credit - The Introit/Kyrie from this piece are some of the most stunning moments in all of music!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqW7QzsT9jI
Hi, I just stumbled across your blog from a friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm a senior at Millersville University, PA.
We are doing Duruflé's requiem! So I was excited to see it (at least a portion of it) mentioned as a piece that you enjoy.
Noah, good to hear from you! It's really wonderful that you are getting to perform such a wonderful piece! If you enjoy the Durufle' Requiem I'd suggest you take a look at the Faure' as it is similar in character, and almost as lovely. Be well!
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