Aug 26, 2024
Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) was one of the greatest sacred
composers of the 20th century, best known for his Requiem
and his motet “Ubi caritas”. His lush and tranquil choral and organ
works combine a deep familiarity with Gregorian chant with the
style of impressionism, imbued with a sense of prayer as he was a
devout Catholic.
Organist and choirmaster Christopher Berry, who studied organ
under Duruflé’s widow, Marie-Madeleine Duruflé, joins the podcast
to discuss Maurice Duruflé in his historical context as someone
who, from childhood, was schooled in the Church’s ancient chant
tradition, and as an adult applied Pope St. Pius X’s instructions
for sacred music which were so influential on that generation.
Schooled at the Paris conservatory, Duruflé received rigorous
training in improvisation, which was the core skill for French
organists at that time. His approach to improvising on chant and
hymn melodies can still be heard in Catholic churches today.
Links
Catholic Institute of Sacred Music
Music heard in this episode:
Excerpts from the Requiem—courtesy of Voices of
Ascension
(See their upcoming performance
season at www.VoicesofAscension.org)
Prélude et fugue sur le nom d’Alain op. 7 – played by
Marie-Madeleine Duruflé
Excerpt from Choral varié sur le Veni Creator op.4 – played by
Maurice Duruflé himself
Ubi caritas – by Choir of St. John’s Elora
Tantum ergo – by St. John’s College Choir
