In this web series, we choose a theme and then delve into our archive to take a closer look at the music—its background, its meaning and why we decided to perform it. Then we perform an excerpt of it for you!
Today's episode: Choral Masterworks. Portland Choir & Orchestra regularly performs long-form choral masterworks—large works, usually on a religious theme, that include orchestra, choir and soloists that have multiple movements, often lasting as long as an hour. These include musical styles like oratorio, mass, gloria and requiem.
Join us as we discuss long-form sacred choral compositions called oratorio and requiem. We will discuss the background and meaning of each piece and play a short excerpt. We will include a link below so you can watch the entire choral masterwork if you want.
00:00 What is a choral masterwork?
04:10 Requiem, by Maurice Duruflé. One of the most beautiful pieces of sacred music ever composed, Duruflé’s Requiem takes the listener on a journey that will make your spirit soar. We were joined on this performance by special musical guest, Tabernacle organist Clay Christiansen, whose artistry and talent were on display on this technically demanding selection.
Watch the entire Requiem here: [ Ссылка ]
Watch Clay Christiansen's organ solos here:
Were You There?: [ Ссылка ]
Ring Out, Wild Bells: [ Ссылка ]
He Is Risen: [ Ссылка ]
18:58 Requiem, by Mack Wilberg. This requiem, published in 2008, follows a trend that has developed in recent decades to depart from the Catholic liturgical Requiem form and focus on solace for the living, rather than the afterlife of the dead. And, although the Wilberg Requiem contains portions that are sung in Latin, much of it is sung in English—another modern trend of the requiem style.
25:24 Gloria, by John Rutter. The Gloria is a specific text within the traditional Catholic Mass. Hundreds of composers have set the Gloria to music, beginning in the middle ages—including famous composers like Vivaldi & Handel. Unlike the Requiem, it is not about death—it is a hymn that praises God. Gloria in excelsis Deo: Glory to God in the highest. World renowned choral composer John Rutter composed this in 1974, in the early years of his professional career.
Watch the entire Gloria here: [ Ссылка ]
31:11 Redeemer, and oratorio by Robert Cundick. The oratorio musical style developed at the same time as opera. Like an opera, an oratorio includes the use of a choir, soloists, an ensemble, various distinguishable characters, and arias. However, opera is musical theatre, while oratorio is strictly a concert piece: in an oratorio there is generally little or no interaction between the characters, and no props or elaborate costumes. The theme of an oratorio often deals with sacred topics, and Robert Cundick’s 1978 oratorio entitled Redeemer is no exception—it uses scriptures to relate the prophecy, sacrifice and promise of Jesus Christ.
Watch selections from Redeemer here: [ Ссылка ]
39:14 Messiah, an oratorio by George Frederic Handel. The 6th of Handel’s 27 oratorios, the Messiah libretto contains biblical passages related to the prophecies about Christ, his sacrifice & death, and the joy of humankind for their redemption.
Watch the entire Hallelujah Chorus here: [ Ссылка ]
