In paradisum from Requiem Songs (Choral/Full Score)
by David Conte
Unison Choir - Sheet Music

Soprano voice solo or unison treble choir, violin, harp, and organ or string orchestra (String Orchestra: Solo Violin, Harp, Strings 6-6-4-4-2) - Intermediate

SKU: EC.8103

Composed by David Conte. 9/11 Service, Funeral, 21st Century. Full score. Duration 12 minutes, 30 seconds. E.C. Schirmer Publishing #8103. Published by E.C. Schirmer Publishing (EC.8103).

ISBN 600313481031. UPC: 600313481031. Latin.

Commissioned by the American Music Research Center, Boulder, Colorado, Thomas Riis, director, in loving memory of Don Campbell. The work received its premiere performance at l’Église de la Sainte-Trinité, Paris, on October 24, 2013 by Alexis Galpérine, violin, Magali Léger, soprano, Saori Kikuchi, harp, and Carolyn Shuster Fournier, organist.

 

The work consists of  three Latin texts from the Requiem Mass. The first, Exaudi, is in “Larghetto” tempo and serves as a prelude. The second, Dies Iræ, marked “Allegro agitato,” is an intense and dark scherzo in D minor with chromatic runs in the organ and violin which accompany the soprano. A central, more lyrical section follows based on the “Lacrymosa” text in a slower tempo, leading to the song’s only serene moment: “Pie Jesu Domine.” The “Dies Irae” music returns, and the song ends violently and decisively. The third song, In Paradisum, introduces the harp. The soprano melody is modeled very closely on the Gregorian chant based on this text. A gentle climax occurs on the text “habeas eternam,” and the song slowly winds down to its end, having laid to rest life’s struggles in the eternity of heaven. Duration: 12:30.