Aug 26, 2024
Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) was one of many best sacred
composers of the twentieth century, greatest identified for his Requiem
and his motet “Ubi caritas”. His lush and tranquil choral and organ
works mix a deep familiarity with Gregorian chant with the
model of impressionism, imbued with a way of prayer as he was a
religious Catholic.
Organist and choirmaster Christopher Berry, who studied organ
below Duruflé’s widow, Marie-Madeleine Duruflé, joins the podcast
to debate Maurice Duruflé in his historic context as somebody
who, from childhood, was schooled within the Church’s historic chant
custom, and as an grownup utilized Pope St. Pius X’s directions
for sacred music which had been so influential on that era.
Schooled on the Paris conservatory, Duruflé obtained rigorous
coaching in improvisation, which was the core talent for French
organists at the moment. His method to improvising on chant and
hymn melodies can nonetheless be heard in Catholic church buildings at this time.
Hyperlinks
Catholic Institute of Sacred Music https://catholicinstituteofsacredmusic.org/
Music heard on this episode:
Excerpts from the Requiem—courtesy of Voices of
Ascension
https://www.amazon.com/Durufle-Album-Requiem-Messe-Jubilo/dp/B0000006ZS
(See their upcoming efficiency
season at www.VoicesofAscension.org)
Prélude et fugue sur le nom d’Alain op. 7 – performed by
Marie-Madeleine Duruflé
Excerpt from Choral varié sur le Veni Creator op.4 – performed by
Maurice Duruflé himself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SBCDScgqsQ
Ubi caritas – by Choir of St. John’s Elora
Tantum ergo – by St. John’s School Choir
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