Duruflé: Requiem

Composed in 1947, Duruflé’s Requiem is scored for solo baritone, mezzo-soprano, mixed choir, and organ. At the heart of the Requiem's musical language is plainsong, specifically the medieval melodies from the Mass for the Dead which Duruflé knew so well. 

Duruflé’s stated goal was to retain the fluid, elastic approach to rhythm that is characteristic of chant, with its constantly fluctuating groupings of twos and threes.  The melodies are organically expanded and surrounded with impressionistic harmonies that at times seem to suggest “liturgical Debussy.” 

Duruflé wrote,  “I have above all sought to enter into the particular style of Gregorian melodies and have been compelled to reconcile… the rhythm… with the requirements of modern [notation].”

Duruflé’s work will be preceded by “Take him, earth, for cherishing” by British composer Herbert Howells after the death of US President John F. Kennedy. The piece takes similar themes, linking life, death and hope.

We are thrilled to be singing this concert in the church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, where Duruflé was titular organist when the Requiem was composed.

Early bird tickets are 22 euro, then 25 euro. You can also obtain VIP tickets for this and the other concerts in our 2024/25 season through our sponsorship arrangements.