From Darkness to Light
Requiem: Sir John Rutter
Missa Brevis: Benjamin Britten
Blest Pair of Sirens: C Hubert H Parry
Excerpts from Messe cum jubilo: Maurice Duruflé
Joseph Beech Organ
Edinburgh Pro Musica Ensemble
Michael Bawtree Conductor
Join ERCU at Greyfriars Kirk as we present works reflecting the transition from winter to spring.
Sir John Rutter’s Requiem has enjoyed immense popularity since it was first performed in 1985. His aim was to create a small-scale work focusing on consolation and the journey from darkness to light. According to Gramophone Review, “as Requiems go, this is among the shorter and simpler ones; it is also among the most beautiful”.
Set for three-part treble choir and organ, Britten’s Missa Brevis is one of his most performed and well-loved works for upper voices. It has been described as incredibly fresh and original, and an undoubted masterpiece. We will also perform excerpts from Duruflé’s Messe cum jubilo, a striking liturgical work scored for a men’s chorus.
Also in the programme is Parry’s Blest pair of sirens, one of the outstanding English choral works.
More information available at www.ercu.org.uk
