Immerse yourself in the sacred and serene world of Maurice Duruflé's "Requiem; Messe 'Cum Jubilo'; 4 Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens," a masterful blend of choral and requiem genres that showcases the composer's deep reverence for the Church's musical heritage. Released in 2008 by harmonia mundi, this album is a testament to Duruflé's ability to weave Gregorian chant into his compositions, creating a timeless and spiritually uplifting experience.
The album opens with Duruflé's renowned Requiem, Op. 9, a nine-movement work that masterfully combines the ancient and the modern. Each section, from the solemn "Introït" to the hopeful "In Paradisum," is a journey through grief, faith, and ultimately, peace. Following the Requiem, the album presents the "Messe 'Cum Jubilo'," Op. 11, a joyous mass dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Composed in the summer of 1966, this five-movement work is unique in its use of a choir consisting solely of barytons, creating a rich and resonant sound.
The album concludes with the "Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens," Op. 10, four motets based on Gregorian themes. These pieces, along with other shorter works like the "Prélude sur l'Introït de l'Épiphanie" and the "Fugue on a theme by Henri Rabaud," demonstrate Duruflé's versatility and his deep connection to the musical traditions of the Church.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, this album is a profound exploration of faith, tradition, and the power of music to transcend time and space. Whether you're a longtime fan of Duruflé's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
2008 harmonia mundi USA2008 harmonia mundi USA
Tracks
Requiem, Op. 9: I. IntroïtMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, English Sinfonia, Martin Ford, Bill Ives
Requiem, Op. 9: II. Kyrie eleisonMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, English Sinfonia, Martin Ford, Bill Ives
Requiem, Op. 9: III. Domine Jesu ChristeMaurice Duruflé, Peter Harvey, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, English Sinfonia, Martin Ford, Bill Ives
Requiem, Op. 9: IV. Sanctus and BenedictusMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, English Sinfonia, Martin Ford, Bill Ives
Requiem, Op. 9: V. Pie JesuMaurice Duruflé, Magrid El-Bushra, English Sinfonia, Martin Ford, Bill Ives
Requiem, Op. 9: VI. Agnus DeiMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, English Sinfonia, Martin Ford, Bill Ives
Requiem, Op. 9: VII. Communion (Lux aeterna)Maurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, English Sinfonia, Martin Ford, Bill Ives
Requiem, Op. 9: VIII. Libera meMaurice Duruflé, Peter Harvey, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, English Sinfonia, Martin Ford, Bill Ives
Requiem, Op. 9: IX. In ParadisumMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, English Sinfonia, Martin Ford, Bill Ives
Prélude sur l'Introït de l'Épiphanie, Op. 13Maurice Duruflé, Martin Ford
Fugue on a theme by Henri RabaudMaurice Duruflé, Martin Ford
Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens, Op. 10: I. Ubi caritasMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives
Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens, Op. 10: II. Tota pulchra esMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives
Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens, Op. 10: III. Tu es PetrusMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives
Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens, Op. 10: IV. Tantum ergoMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives
Chant donné en hommage à Jean GallonMaurice Duruflé, Martin Ford
Méditation pour OrgueMaurice Duruflé, Martin Ford
Messe "Cum Jubilo", Op. 11: I. KyrieMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Richard Pinel
Messe "Cum Jubilo", Op. 11: II. GloriaMaurice Duruflé, Mark Chaundy, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Richard Pinel, Bill Ives
Messe "Cum Jubilo", Op. 11: III. SanctusMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Richard Pinel
Messe "Cum Jubilo", Op. 11: IV. BenedictusMaurice Duruflé, Mark Chaundy, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Richard Pinel, Bill Ives
Messe "Cum Jubilo", Op. 11: V. Agnus DeiMaurice Duruflé, The Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford, Bill Ives, Richard Pinel
Maurice Duruflé, born in 1902 in Louviers, France, was a multifaceted musical genius known for his compositions, organ playing, and teaching. His works, though few in number, are deeply revered for their unique blend of Gregorian chant and modern harmonies. Duruflé's most celebrated piece, the Requiem, is a masterful fusion of ancient liturgical music and 20th-century compositional techniques. His musical journey began under the guidance of his father, a professional harpist, and continued at the prestigious Paris Conservatory, where he studied with notable figures like Paul Dukas and Charles Tournemire. Duruflé's influence extends beyond his compositions; he was also a respected professor at the Conservatoire de Paris, shaping the next generation of musicians. His legacy endures through his evocative choral works and organ pieces, which continue to captivate audiences with their profound emotional depth and technical brilliance.
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Maurice Duruflé
