Voices of Connection: 06/21 Duruflé: Lux aeterna

This is one of my favorite pieces by any composer. Every time I hear it (or conduct it) I am drawn into its special meditative world. The piece is personal and intimate, incredibly understated, and deeply touching. It begins with a beautiful, simple organ solo followed by an a cappella choral section. The sopranos’ chant melody rests on top of chords sung on “oo” by the rest of the chorus. Another organ solo follows, this time a bit higher. Then the chorus again, with the soprano melody played in canon on the organ flute stop. Then Duruflé’s genius appears. Soft octave Cs appear in the strings, sustained for several measures, while the organ plays a chordal melody in an ancient fauxbourdon style and the sopranos and tenors intone, on a single note, the words “give them rest and eternal light.” With such simplicity he turns a personal, private meditation into a timeless, universal prayer.

– Dennis Keene

 

MAURICE DURUFLÉ Requiem “Lux Aeterna”

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director
Mark Kruczek, Organist

from the Delos recording The Duruflé Album ℗ 1995 Delos
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.

 
Voices of Ascension