On Sunday, Nov. 13, the adult choir of Christ Church Greenwich, the Christ Church Singers, will perform the Requiem by Maurice Duruflé at 5 p.m. in the Church. Each year, on or around All Souls’ Day a requiem is performed to remember and commemorate all of the faithful departed.
Known as one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever composed, Duruflé’s Requiem is based on the ancient Gregorian chant melodies that have been sung at funerals for hundreds of years. Duruflé’s choral masterpiece beautifully depicts the serenity, struggle, hope, and peace found within the liturgical chants and their text. “Many musicians familiar with Duruflé’s Requiem have said that it would be their choice if they were stranded on a dessert island and could only listen to one piece of music for the rest of their lives,” says Jonathan Ryan, Associate Director of Music at Christ Church Greenwich. From the soothing, timeless atmosphere of the first movement (Requiem aeternam), to the prayerful struggle of the Offertory (Domine Jesu Christe), to the exaltation of the Sanctus, to the sublime, concluding In Paradisum, this heartfelt music is sure to add much consolation and inspiration to this commemoration.
Joining the Christ Church Singers for this special performance will be soloists Ellen Sisson and Christopher Klaich, and guest organist Michael Hey. Incense will be used at this service.
This liturgical performance is free to the public and no tickets are needed. For additional information, please contact Susan Reed, Executive Director, Marketing Communications & Parish Relations, 203-869-6600, ext. 17.
