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Program
Notes by Rev. Joseph A. Bias,
Minister of Music and Worship
First United Methodist Church, Tulsa
The great composers of the past
wrote extensive compositions based
on scripture, intended not so much
for the concert hall, but for the
Cathedral. Two master works featured
in our concert on February 18th will
offer an opportunity to hear
settings of the “Requiem Mass” by
Maurice Durufle´ and the “Gloria,”
by John Rutter.
The French publishing company,
Durand, in 1947 commissioned Maurice
Duruflé, a virtuoso organist and
composer (1902-1986) to compose a
choral-orchestral Requiem Mass. The
work is based principally on
Gregorian chant themes, more in the
style of Faure´ than the dark
imposing, even bombastic, works of
Dvorak, Berlioz or Verdi. Durufle´
emphasizes the comforting peace in
the text of the Mass. He made three
arrangements of the work, one for
Soprano Alto Tenor Bass (SATB) Choir
and Organ, another for SATB Choir,
medium size Orchestra and organ, and
a larger version for SATB choir,
full Orchestra and Organ. The work
has a lyrical floating quality that
surrounds the setting with masses of
sound that envelope the listener
like a comforting cloak of sustained
voices, orchestra and organ.
Rutter's “Gloria,” by contrast, is
an angular, melodic, fanfare-like
work, magnificently written for SATB
choir, Brass, Orchestra and Organ.
The arresting fanfare opening gives
way to the beautiful lyrical setting
of "Et in terra pax hominibus bonae
voluntatis (And on earth peace,
goodwill to men)." Sharp accents in
the orchestration juxtapose with
crystalline choral punctuations,
making for a unique combination of
tonal colors and dynamic contrasts
that paint the text with a sense of
depth and awe. Dr. Edward Pierce
will conduct this memorable work.
"The Requiem Mass" and the "Gloria"
have been an important part of the
history of church worship. Our
sanctuary, with its Tudor Gothic
architecture, and our
Schantz-Parriott-Wickes Organ is
uniquely designed for the
presentation of these works.
The collaboration of Choirs,
Orchestra and Organ will make a
stunning offering of praises to God.
Other works included in the program
are Handel’s “Zadok the Priest” with
its echoes of the Hallelujah Chorus,
and the final work, C. Hubert H.
Parry’s, “I Was Glad,” a massive
work for double choirs that exploits
a full range of Choral/Orchestral
sounds.
"The Concerto for Organ Strings and
Timpani" is a 20th Century work by
Francis Poulenc. The work is based
on a series of short themes,
developed in a dialogue between the
organ and strings. There is a
theatrical quality to this work,
reminiscent of larger orchestral
works by Bela Bartok and Dimitri
Shostakovitch. Dr. Edward Pierce
will also conduct this work. Guest
conductor and organ soloist, Paul
Leddington Wright will bring his
unique virtuoso interpretation to
the organ solo.
While the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra
will be featured in all the works,
they will also present "Pomp &
Circumstance Op. 39 No. 1” by Elgar
and conducted by Paul Leddington
Wright.
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