Durufle: Requiem, Op. 9, Agnus Dei

This is a wonderful piece.

Of all the requiems- this one speaks to the soul and gives a picture of heaven. I feel in my heart, Durfle had seen it and got it right. All of the sections- but this one Agnus Dei and then In Paradisum, It gives me hope each time- and renewed energy to keep moving upward.

I have had the privilidge of performing both the Faure & Durufle Requiems several times but I love the Durufle far more. For those looking for an excellent recording, check out the London 2-CD which has both Durulfe & Faure plus several additional pieces by Durufle & Poulenc. St. John's College Choir w/ Cleobury organ & Academy of St. Martin-in-the -Fields conducted by George Guest. I believe the catalog # is 436 486-2 Hope you enjoy it. The music is absolutely gorgeous!

He always includes the vocal parts in the organ score. Makes it easier to sing.

Music of breathtaking spirit and unspeakable beauty of tonality, spoken in the musical language of angels. This Requiem touches the soul in the deepest waves of resonant peace. Like Faure, one hears this music long after it is played, in notes of everlasting dialogue between heart and mind.

I can't agree more. In fact, Maurice is my fav composer, and, although criminal to have to make a choice, raise his requiem above all others. ALL of Durufle's compositions are sublime.

I think in the orchestra this was my favorite part to play, especially around 2:15, because of how you could play it. Other parts we were just scrambling to keep up.

I prefer women voices than these children.
I sang this Requiem at Vaison-la-Romaine in 1980 during the "Choralies"
A curiosity are the "exotic" instruments...