Immerse yourself in the serene and profound world of Maurice Duruflé's sacred choral masterpieces with this exquisite 1995 album. Featuring the renowned Voices of Ascension Chorus and Orchestra, conducted by the esteemed Dennis Keene, this recording showcases Duruflé's unparalleled ability to blend the ancient with the modern, creating a sound that is both timeless and deeply moving.
At the heart of this album is Duruflé's iconic Requiem, Op. 9, a work that began as a series of organ meditations and evolved into a full orchestral setting. The Requiem is a testament to Duruflé's mastery of harmony and his deep spiritual sensibility, offering a poignant and reflective journey through the Mass for the Dead. Each movement, from the haunting "Introit" to the serene "In Paradisum," is performed with exquisite sensitivity and precision, bringing Duruflé's vision to life.
Complementing the Requiem is the Mass, Op. 11, "Cum Jubilo," a work that showcases Duruflé's unique approach to liturgical music. This setting of the Mass Ordinary is notable for its use of unison men's chorus and its rich, tonal language, creating a sense of unity and reverence. The album also includes Duruflé's setting of the Lord's Prayer, "Notre Père," Op. 14, a work that demonstrates his ability to infuse even the most familiar texts with freshness and depth.
The performances on this album are nothing short of outstanding. The Voices of Ascension Chorus and Orchestra, under the direction of Dennis Keene, bring a level of artistry and commitment that is truly inspiring. The soloists, François Le Roux and Patricia Spence, add their own unique voices to the ensemble, enriching the overall experience.
Whether you are a longtime admirer of Duruflé's music or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The combination of Duruflé's profound musical vision, the exceptional performances, and the high-quality recording make this a standout release in the choral repertoire.
1995 Delos1995 Delos
Tracks
Requiem, Op. 9: IntroitMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Requiem, Op. 9: KyrieMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Requiem, Op. 9: Domine Jesu ChristeMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Requiem, Op. 9: SanctusMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Requiem, Op. 9: Pie JesuMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Requiem, Op. 9: Agnus DeiMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Requiem, Op. 9: Lux aeternaMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Requiem, Op. 9: Libera meMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Requiem, Op. 9: In paradisumMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Mass, Op. 11, "Cum jubilo": KyrieMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Mass, Op. 11, "Cum jubilo": GloriaMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Mass, Op. 11, "Cum jubilo": SanctusMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Mass, Op. 11, "Cum jubilo": BenedictusMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Mass, Op. 11, "Cum jubilo": Agnus DeiMaurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
Notre Pere, Op. 14Maurice Duruflé, Patricia Spence, Francois Le Roux, Mark Bleeke, David Jolley, Lawrence Dutton, Richard Locker, Kathleen Bride, Mark Kruczek, Voices of Ascension Chorus, Voices of Ascension Orchestra, Dennis Keene
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