"Music for Remembrance: Duruflé Requiem & Other Works" is a profound and moving collection of memorial music, composed in the shadow of two World Wars. At the heart of this album is Maurice Duruflé's iconic Requiem, Op. 9, a masterpiece of the 20th century that is brought to life with astounding beauty by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by James O'Donnell. The Requiem's eight movements are performed with a sensitivity and precision that highlight the deep spiritual and emotional resonance of Duruflé's composition.
In addition to the Requiem, the album features a selection of other works that explore the theme of remembrance. These include settings of Psalm 90 and three prayers by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as well as pieces like "Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing" and "The Peace That Surpasseth Understanding." Each selection is performed with the same level of artistry and attention to detail that characterizes the Requiem.
The album's duration of 75 minutes offers a substantial and immersive listening experience, with the choral and orchestral performances complemented by soloists Christine Rice and Roderick Williams. The combination of these elements makes "Music for Remembrance" not just a collection of beautiful music, but a deeply meaningful and reflective journey through some of the most powerful memorial music ever composed. Released on the Hyperion label in 2014, this album is a testament to the enduring power of music to honor and remember.
Requiem, Op. 9: I. IntroitMaurice Duruflé, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Britten Sinfonia, Robert Quinney, James O'Donnell
Requiem, Op. 9: II. KyrieMaurice Duruflé, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Britten Sinfonia, James O'Donnell, Robert Quinney
Requiem, Op. 9: III. Domine Jesu ChristeMaurice Duruflé, Roderick Williams, Robert Quinney, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Britten Sinfonia
Requiem, Op. 9: IV. SanctusMaurice Duruflé, Robert Quinney, James O'Donnell, Britten Sinfonia, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Requiem, Op. 9: V. Pie JesuMaurice Duruflé, Christine Rice, Caroline Dearnley, Robert Quinney, James O'Donnell, Britten Sinfonia
Requiem, Op. 9: VI. Agnus DeiMaurice Duruflé, Robert Quinney, James O'Donnell, Britten Sinfonia, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Requiem, Op. 9: VII. Lux aeternaMaurice Duruflé, James O'Donnell, Britten Sinfonia, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, Robert Quinney
Requiem, Op. 9: VIII. Libera meMaurice Duruflé, James O'Donnell, Britten Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Robert Quinney, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Requiem, Op. 9: IX. In paradisumMaurice Duruflé, James O'Donnell, Britten Sinfonia, Robert Quinney, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Lord, Thou Hast Been Our Refuge (Psalm 90)Ralph Vaughan Williams, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, James O'Donnell
3 Prayers of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: I. Morning PrayersPhilip Moore, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, James O'Donnell
3 Prayers of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: II. Prayers in the Time of DistressPhilip Moore, James O'Donnell, William Balkwill, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
3 Prayers of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: III. Evening PrayersPhilip Moore, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey
Take Him, Earth, for CherishingHerbert Howells, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey, James O'Donnell
The Peace That Surpasseth UnderstandingJohn Tavener, James O'Donnell, The Choir Of Westminster Abbey