Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem was commissioned in 1941 but not completed and performed until 1947. Despite being composed against the backdrop of a world war, his Requiem offers both optimism and hope.
Duruflé’s setting is often compared with that of his older contemporary Gabriel Fauré as both focus on the meditative aspects of the mass. Although a twentieth century work, Duruflé based much of his Requiem on Gregorian chant, creating a unique and haunting atmosphere.
The concert will also include motets by Bruckner and songs and spirituals from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Requiem - Maurice Duruflé
Abendlied - Josef Rheinberger
Spirituals from A Child of Our Time - Michael Tippett
Motets - Anton Bruckner
17 Days (excerpts) - James McCarthy
Crossing the Bar - Rani Arbo
Jules Hammond mezzo-soprano
John Holland-Avery baritone
Rufus Frowde organ
Hertfordshire Chorus
David Temple conductor
