Handel And Duruflé

The programme of this year's Spring Concert features two very different styles of music. The invigorating and popular tunes of Handel, including Zadok the Priest and The King shall rejoice as well as the more emotional charged music of the Duruflé Requiem.

No composer has been more closely associated with the British monarchy than German-born George Frideric Handel (1685-1759). His anthem Zadok the Priest, the first and most popular piece of the suite, has been performed at every coronation since that of King George II on 11 October 1727.

Duruflé's Requiem is the largest, most important and best-known of his works and one of the most famous of all 20th century requiem masses. It was composed at the end of W.W.II, completed in 1947. Like his countryman, Fauré, Duruflé loved plainchant and incorporated its styles into his own music. He was composing a series of organ pieces based on Gregorian chant tunes from the ancient Mass for the Dead, when his publisher asked for a requiem mass. Duruflé adapted some of the organ pieces into his requiem.

With the Fauré Requiem a distinct influence, the fear and terror of the Judgement Day are downplayed. There are moments of thrilling excitement and deep emotion, but overall, the style is restrained, tranquil and spiritual. Although it was originally scored for orchestra, this performance will use Duruflé's own version featuring organ alone.

This performance will feature some well known, local soloists and will be conducted by Julian Mann, Musical Director of Buckingham Choral Society.