The Schola Cantorum Jubilate. Photo: George SagunaThe Schola Cantorum Jubilate. Photo: George Saguna

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra is joining forces with the Schola Cantorum Jubilate choir to present Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, Op. 9.

Aptly being staged during Lent, this requiem is one of the most subtle and fluid compositions based on Gregorian chant, but is personalised by the colours, harmonies and rhythms of Duruflé, a deeply religious 20th century musician.

It was commissioned in 1947 by French music publisher Durand and is written in memory of the composer’s father. The work is for SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) choir with mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists. The orchestration is for organ with string orchestra, trumpets, harp and timpani.

In Duruflé’s own words: “This requiem is composed entirely on the Gregorian themes of the Mass for the Dead. Sometimes the musical text has been respected in full, the orchestra intervening only to sustain or to comment on it; sometimes I was simply inspired by it or sometimes removed myself from it altogether…

Aptly being staged during Lent, this requiem is one of the most subtle and fluid compositions based on Gregorian chant

“This requiem is not an ethereal work which sings of detachment from earthly worries. It reflects, in the immutable form of the Christian prayer, the agony of man faced with the mystery of his ultimate end. It is often dramatic, or filled with resignation, or hope, or terror, just as the words of the Scripture themselves... It tends to translate human feelings before their terrifying, unexplainable or consoling destiny. It represents the idea of peace, of faith, and of hope.”

The orchestra and soloists mezzo-soprano Marvic Monreal and bass Albert Buttigieg will be under the baton of Christopher Muscat. The choir is directed by Mark Gauchi. The performances will be held on April 4 and 5 at Robert Samut Hall in Floriana.

Tickets at €10 are available from St James Cavalier on 2122 3200 or online from www.sjcav.org.

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