Maurice DurufléIn keeping with the spirit of the Lenten period, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing with the Schola Cantorum Jubilate (choir director Mark Gauchi) to present one of the most subtle and fluid compositions based on the Gregorian chant, but personalised by the colours, harmonies and rhythms of Maurice Duruflé, a deeply religious 20th-century musician.
The Requiem, Op. 9, was commissioned in 1947 by the French music publisher Durand and is written in memory of the composer’s father. The work is for SATB choir with mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists. The orchestration we will hear for this concert 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… 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 which are used in the liturgy. 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 performances will be held on Friday and Saturday at Robert Samut Hall, Floriana. Tickets at €10 are available from St James Cavalier, Valletta, on 2122 3200, or online at www.sjcav.org.