Immerse yourself in the profound and sacred musical landscape of Maurice Duruflé's "Requiem, Op. 9" and other choral masterpieces, beautifully captured in this 1995 release by Naxos. This album is a testament to Duruflé's mastery of choral and organ composition, blending Gregorian chant influences with rich, Romantic harmonies.
The centerpiece of the album is Duruflé's "Requiem, Op. 9," a deeply moving and contemplative work that showcases the composer's ability to evoke a sense of solemnity and reverence. The requiem is performed in its 1961 version, offering a unique perspective on Duruflé's evolving style. Each movement, from the haunting "Introit" to the serene "In Paradisum," is a journey through the depths of human emotion and spiritual reflection.
Complementing the requiem are the "4 Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens, Op. 10," a collection of motets that further demonstrate Duruflé's skill in weaving Gregorian chant themes into his compositions. These motets, including the tender "Ubi caritas" and the majestic "Tu es Petrus," are performed with exquisite precision and sensitivity.
The album also features Duruflé's "Scherzo, Op. 2," a lively and playful contrast to the more somber works, and the "Prelude et fugue sur le nom d'Alain, Op. 7," a tribute to the composer's mentor, Jean-Jean Alain. The "Prelude" and the concluding "Fugue" are both technically demanding and musically rewarding, showcasing Duruflé's prowess as an organist and composer.
With a total duration of just over an hour, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Duruflé's choral and organ works, offering a rich and varied listening experience. Whether you are a fan of sacred music, choral compositions, or simply appreciate the beauty of Duruflé's music, this album is a treasure trove of musical excellence.
1995 Naxos1995 Naxos
Tracks
Requiem, Op. 9 (1961 version): IntroitMaurice Duruflé, Didier Henry, Eric Lebrun, François Poly, Beatrice Uria-Monzon, Marc Vieillefon, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Orchestre De La Cite, Michel Piquemal
Requiem, Op. 9 (1961 version): KyrieMaurice Duruflé, Didier Henry, Eric Lebrun, François Poly, Beatrice Uria-Monzon, Marc Vieillefon, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Orchestre De La Cite, Michel Piquemal
Requiem, Op. 9 (1961 version): Domine Jesu ChristeMaurice Duruflé, Didier Henry, Eric Lebrun, François Poly, Beatrice Uria-Monzon, Marc Vieillefon, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Orchestre De La Cite, Michel Piquemal
Requiem, Op. 9 (1961 version): SanctusMaurice Duruflé, Didier Henry, Eric Lebrun, François Poly, Beatrice Uria-Monzon, Marc Vieillefon, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Orchestre De La Cite, Michel Piquemal
Requiem, Op. 9 (1961 version): Pie JesuMaurice Duruflé, Didier Henry, Eric Lebrun, François Poly, Beatrice Uria-Monzon, Marc Vieillefon, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Orchestre De La Cite, Michel Piquemal
Requiem, Op. 9 (1961 version): Agnus DeiMaurice Duruflé, Didier Henry, Eric Lebrun, François Poly, Beatrice Uria-Monzon, Marc Vieillefon, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Orchestre De La Cite, Michel Piquemal
Requiem, Op. 9 (1961 version): Lux aeternaMaurice Duruflé, Didier Henry, Eric Lebrun, François Poly, Beatrice Uria-Monzon, Marc Vieillefon, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Orchestre De La Cite, Michel Piquemal
Requiem, Op. 9 (1961 version): Libera meMaurice Duruflé, Didier Henry, Eric Lebrun, François Poly, Beatrice Uria-Monzon, Marc Vieillefon, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Orchestre De La Cite, Michel Piquemal
Requiem, Op. 9 (1961 version): In ParadisumMaurice Duruflé, Didier Henry, Eric Lebrun, François Poly, Beatrice Uria-Monzon, Marc Vieillefon, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Orchestre De La Cite, Michel Piquemal
4 Motets sur des themes gregoriens, Op. 10: I. Ubi caritasMaurice Duruflé, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Michel Piquemal
4 Motets sur des themes gregoriens, Op. 10: II. Tota pulchra esMaurice Duruflé, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Michel Piquemal
4 Motets sur des themes gregoriens, Op. 10: III. Tu es PetrusMaurice Duruflé, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Michel Piquemal
4 Motets sur des themes gregoriens, Op. 10: IV. Tantum ergoMaurice Duruflé, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Michel Piquemal
Scherzo, Op. 2Maurice Duruflé, Eric Lebrun
Notre Pere, Op. 14Maurice Duruflé, Michel Piquemal Vocal Ensemble, Michel Piquemal
PreludeMaurice Duruflé, Eric Lebrun
Prelude et fugue sur le nom d'Alain, Op. 7: FugueMaurice Duruflé, Eric Lebrun