Aptly scheduled during the Lenten period, the Schola Cantorum Jubilate join forces with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra to present one of the most subtle and fluid compositions based on the Gregorian chant, but personalized by the colours, harmonies, and rhythms of this deeply religious 20th-century musician.
The Requiem, op. 9, by Maurice Duruflé was commissioned in 1947 by the French music publisher Durand and is written in memory of the composer’s father. The work was originally written for organ, SATB choir, and mezzo-soprano soloist but several other versions were made later by the composer himself. The version used for this performance includes an organ, string orchestra, trumpets, harp and timpani and also a bass soloist.
In Duruflé’s own words “This Requiem is composed entirely on the Gregorian themes of the Mass for the Dead. Sometimes the musical text has been respected in full, the orchestra intervening only to sustain or to comment on it; sometimes I was simply inspired by it or sometimes removed myself from it altogether… This Requiem is not an ethereal work which sings of detachment from earthly worries. It reflects, in the immutable form of the Christian prayer, the agony of man faced with the mystery of his ultimate end. It is often dramatic, or filled with resignation, or hope, or terror, just as the words of the Scripture themselves which are used in the liturgy. It tends to translate human feelings before their terrifying, unexplainable or consoling destiny. It represents the idea of peace, of Faith, and of Hope.”
More details soon!
