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Saturday 7 June 2014

7.30 pm

St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds

Fauré:         Requiem

                     Cantique de Jean Racine

Duruflé:      Requiem

Poulenc:     Litanies à la Vierge Noire

Camilla Jeppeson soprano

Heather Jill Burns mezzo-soprano

Callum Thorpe baritone

Bury Bach Choir

Prometheus Orchestra

Philip Reed conductor

The major work in this concert of French music is the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré.  Of the many settings of the Requiem, this is probably the most widely loved.  This eloquent piece has a unique purity and directness of expression that make it a firm favourite with audiences.  It has no sense of doom or angst but rather depicts the reaching for eternal happiness.  Warm and comforting, this work is a rare gem in the French repertoire. Prepare to be profoundly moved by the intimacy and ethereal beauty of this humble and elegant masterpiece.

Written sixty years later in 1947, the Requiem by Maurice Duruflé fuses the unique language of plainsong with sensuous harmonies and tranquil melody, bringing us a work infused with timelessness and meditative spirituality. The central Pie Jesu is electrifying and as we reach In Paradisum the sense of peace and hope expressed throughout the piece comes to a truly breathtaking conclusion.

Two other short favourites of the French repertoire complete this concert.  The music throughout is uplifting and profoundly satisfying and whether or not you know these pieces, we can guarantee a wonderful evening.  Do come.

Ticket prices £20 and £16 reserved, £12 unreserved