Duruflé - REQUIEM - At Saint-Eustache [4K] | The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge

Maurice Duruflé - Requiem, Op.9 (1947)
1:06 I. Introit
4:48 II. Kyrie
8:40 III. Domine Jesu Christe
18:13 IV. Sanctus
21:29 V. Pie Jesu
25:16 VI. Agnus Dei
29:12 VII. Lux Aeterna
33:40 VIII. Libera Me
39:52 IX. In Paradisum
The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, directed by Stephen Layton
Baritone: Florian Störtz | Mezzo-soprano: Katherine Gregory
Organ: Harrison Cole | Cello: Myrtille Hetzel
This video is available to watch in resolutions up to 4K: click/tap the 'Settings' (cog icon) in the video player, then click/tap 'Quality' to select video resolution.
A film by Andrew Staples and Classical Films.
www.ajrstaples.com/
www.classicalfilms.co.uk
Filmed at the Eglise Saint-Eustache, Paris, July 2022
www.saint-eustache.org/
===
For more information about the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, including joining as a Choral Scholar or Organ Scholar, and forthcoming livestream services and concerts, visit:
www.trinitycollegechoir.com
On Facebook: / trincollchoir
On Twitter: / trincollchoir
On Instagram: / trincollchoir

[@michaelwhitworth1940]

I have listened to 30 different versions of the Duruflé Requiem, one of the greatest choral works in the choral repertoire in its own right, but this one surpasses all of them. This small choir with perfect harmony, matched to the richness of the organ. Each section sang with one voice, without embellishment, making the choir's tonality sound like a second organ. The producers, cameramen and lighting craftsmanship in this massive cathedral were exquisite. Finally, the long tradition of outstanding performance by the Trinity College Choir was further bolstered with a performance for the ages. Thanks to the choirmaster for bringing out the best in the best choir I have ever heard. This was not simply a performance but a tour-de-force in expounding this great mass of death, and life.

[@MarshallArtz007]

Yes, this is a tour-de-force performance. I honestly don’t know how it can be surpassed. 😎🎹

[@clossaron3025]

Ditto. I wish it was on CD

[@goodhartsmusic]

I think my bass is out of whack, the climax of Kyrie sounded downright ghoulish on my speakers!

[@kyrio5a]

ALL of them??? Really???????? ARE YOU SUUUURE???????

[@louisthwaites6875]

It will be available in March 2024, from Hyperion@@clossaron3025

[@dianalee3059]

If there was ever music channeled directly from God, the Durufle Requiem is it.

[@gabrielmorales9752]

Makes sense! …He made us into His image, afterall.

[@ZacharyJMoore]

The production value of this is INSANE. This is an important video for history, IMO.

[@JRSSchattenberg]

I wondered what happened to the sound though, there is this buzz most of the time that really diminishes the audio quality. The recording would be absolutely excellent without it.

[@kenlaberteaux1418]

@@JRSSchattenberg There is a noise-free Hyperion recording of this performance recently released. Worth the purchase for sure!

[@JRSSchattenberg]

@@kenlaberteaux1418 I see! Many thanks for the tip!

[@BruceXuHasADream]

100% agree

[@davidschofieldinsf]

It doesn't get any better than this on this side of the grave.; one of the best Oxbridge choirs, beautiful and historic French organ, and oh St. Eustache, with its soaring vertical lines and ample acoustics, Duruflé's masterful music hung on the foundation of the chant melodies. This is a gift to all who listen.

[@marcelpunt]

The organ is not historic and French, though - it was built by the Dutch firm Van den Heuvel in 1989.

[@davidschofieldinsf]

@@marcelpunt thanks for the correction. I've not been there since my student days, long before the installation of this new (and from the sound of the recording, very successful) instrument.

[@rossmorrow3013]

I think the titular organist/advisor was Jean Guillou?

[@mattm9042]

@@rossmorrow3013 yes.

[@dianalee3059]

Beautifully said. One of my very favorite works and this rendition is exquisite

[@rexmuro4511]

As a retired organist, I can't state anywhere near, how most of the previous comments have so eloquently described this performance and production. Absolutely stunning in it's totality. As many of my colleagues have stated, "it doesn't get any better than this". Stephen Layton is brilliant, as is the work of Harrison Cole - outstanding! Thank you, Trinity College choir members - your dedication and long hours of work have given us a great musical gift.

[@jerrera45]

Of all the great requiems written by Brahms, Verdi, Mozart, Faure, I find this one to be the most beautiful. There is so much poignancy that it just touches the heart. And this performance is one to behold.

[@marceloonofri8129]

MARAVILHOSO!!!!!

[@saranebeling6375]

This is really dramatic and so stunning!!

[@IakobusAtreides]

Exactly

[@paullewis2413]

You omitted the daddy of them all, Berlioz. Also a Frenchman however it requires huge forces as typical of that extraordinary composer it’s on the grandest scale. 😊

[@kingconcerto5860]

Second only to the George Lloyd Symphonic Mass IMO.

[@andredurier6112]

Absolument magnifique. Les voix sont belles, la direction magistrale. Une prise de son impeccable avec un bel équilibre entre l'orgue et le chœur. Les solistes sont époustouflants. Que dire du cadre merveilleux de cette belle église de St Eustache. Un régal pour les oreilles et les yeux. Bravo.

[@messager3000]

"In paradisum" is like a lift from the ground to deep space. I discovered this masterpiece in 2022 and now it sticks to my heart. The production is incredible, it is not only about music but everything around, creating a genuine experience.

[@leeclinkscales2584]

Without question, this is the most beautiful, lush, and moving version I have ever heard. It quite literally moved me to tears.

[@BruceXuHasADream]

yeah! especially in Kyrie when they slow down, it's like the matrix but tear-inducing!

[@chasjm21]

Thank goodness for quality like this to save us from mediocrity.

[@abbybaker586]

After singing this myself, the fact that they can do this memorized amazes me… and the level at which they perform it shows just how much time and effort they put into this performance

[@coreymulvey6141]

If there was not an entirely definitive recording of this before, there is now.

[@nickgold7853]

I have had the privilege of having sung this both in Europe and the U.S,, but this rendition is of a special quality. One can only hope among the billions appropriated by governments for war enterprises that there are at least a few crumbs available to foster such worthy enterprises as this. Feeding the soul right now is probably more valuable than involving the world in pursuits of sheer madness.

[@IntheMOMENT22173]

The filmmaking, editing, performance, atmosphere, mood....how dare you throw us into the grips of this masterpiece without a warning! :)

[@redschonewille]

You have a point here

[@MrPdmus]

I first heard this requiem in the chapel of St John's College, Cambridge, under Christoper Robinson, and was so moved that it took me days to recover. I still haven't fully - and it was 30 years go! That will still be the defining version for me but Trinity's recording here is as close as it gets outside a physical presence. Trinity bring out that spine-tingling other-worldly quality that even King's College choir cannot quite achieve. It seems to help that they have all learnt the music by heart, leaving the choir to think entirely about interpretation. I wish more would do it. Another bonus - Layton understands the purpose of the final chord, the unresolved 7/9, that wants to fade slowly into eternity. Exactly as things should be "in paradisum". Sublime.

[@IakobusAtreides]

Very well said

[@chasjm21]

All focused & committed to the delivery, not distracted by the cameras.

[@kennethduckworth4910]

Listeners may find it interesting to watch a 2020 performance on KZbin of the same work by the same choir in the chapel of Trinity College Cambridge. The acoustic there is kinder to clarity of singing and playing, and yet spacing of the choir in the time of the pandemic provides a greater degree of other-worldliness than might otherwise be experienced in a college chapel. Same organist and baritone, different cellist and mezzo.

[@lordenoch0]

No readings in this performance...

[@vsezonov]

1:06 - Introit 4:48 - Kyrie 8:40 - Domine Jesu Christe 18:13 - Sanctus 21:29 - Pie Jesu 25:16 - Agnus Dei 29:12 - Lux Aeterna 33:40 - Libera Me 39:52 - In Paradisum

[@walterwhipple7477]

A performance of such excellence as this truly connects Heaven and Earth.

[@Just_me_myself_I]

Ich kannte dieses Requiem von Durufle bislang nicht. Per Zufall war ich darauf gestoßen. Dieser Chor, diese begnadeten Stimmen, der Organist und Dirigent ... Ich bin tief berührt. Vielen Dank dass ich das hören durfte

[@jameswood1628]

I admit to this particular piece of music carrying me through the air on hundreds of flights over the years. Forever associated with climbing through the clouds towards the heavens. A beautiful performance.

[@BruceXuHasADream]

you a pilot?

[@jameswood1628]

@@BruceXuHasADream No. i would doubt I would have it blaring in my ears during take off if so. Just work that took me all over the world.

[@alanbrunton5909]

I started performing this piece back in 1973 when I was in the Texas All State Choir. Since then, I have performed it over 20 times. It is the music most dear to my soul.

[@timcooke6724]

Brilliant. Absolutely faultless performance and very enjoyable - I could watch this every day.

[@PhillipLayton-ur9uz]

All the petty struggles of mankind climbing the greasy pole put into perspective by this wonderful music. We die - when we die to be accompanied by such wonderful music would be an honour.

[@keitHarmel]

We have some fine collegiate and professional choral groups here in the US, but my goodness it's a whole different level in England. God bless you, Stephen Layton and Trinity College Choir. Choral singing at its very best.

[@pianotello7893]

Absolument splendide ! La dynamique y est extraordinaire ! Les timbres de l'orgue sont d'une finesse inégalée ! Merci beaucoup ! Dieu vous garde ! W

[@alexwiththeglasses]

Yeah - I had the record of the composer doing it at his home church about 50 years ago. It was solid musically, but this version, with modern recording technology and masterful singing and minimal accompaniment, is stunning! I would like to think that the Durufles, husband and wife, would be pleased.

[@user-zz8ds8or3k]

@@alexwiththeglasses Duruflé´s own recording for ERATO with himself conducting and his wife playing the organ remains a benchmark recording, however not of the organ-only version (which he had not yet written at that time) but of the version with symphony orchestra

[@JohnProthero]

I have listened to countless recordings of this and have sung it myself, but this recording - this intimate interpretation - speaks to the depth of faith, the fear, the reassurance of faith, so quietly and subliminally, that it stands on its own.

[@philipstopford]

36:10 OMG! Utterly astounding.

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

Right?! I'm trying to understand how an organ could even make those sounds.

[@tikhonbogomolets2740]

@@HenrikBergpianorganist Hello Henrik Berg, When an organ is built into an acoustically wondrous space and according to the principles of Aristide Cavaille-Coll, the result is other-worldly. Yes, the firm of Van den Heuvel did not slavishly and outright copy the tonal scheme of the late master Cavaille-Coll, but Van den Heuvel had done their homework for the project at St. Eustache especially applying the scheme of the Four Fonds: Montre 8' Flute Harmonique 8' Bourdon 8' and Gambe 8' . This gives an almost partially closed French Horn sound(hand cupped and fully inside the bell and partially in the throat). Cheers...

[@earlofderbycharlesworth1975]

This performance surely conveys Duruflé's intentions with more clarity than any other on record. This is the bar being raised!

[@TheNjsb]

This is one of the finest performances of the work I have ever heard. Impeccable

[@johnterwal7190]

Time and time again the most beautiful performance I know. Fantastic! And anyone without a score... What a discipline

[@jamesoldfield619]

The production value of this film is incredible. Magnificent singing and playing by everyone. Incredible colours achieved by Harrison Cole on the organ, and exceptional solos by Katherine and Florian. Hard to surpass this.

[@craigeverhart4755]

Just close my casket soon after 41:25. All kudos to Mr Layton and all the performers and film artists. Just not enough superlatives for this heart-rending tour de force.

[@char_t]

this is the first performance of the organ-only arrangement in which i felt nearly as much expressive scope as the original orchestral version. just breathtaking. thank you for making this available for us all to experience!

[@Doug19752533]

ironically Durufle did not like the organ only arrangement but wrote it to give more choirs access to its performance. I had read that at the time of his death he was working on a piano version which he never completed

[@Polygor2]

I've listened to many versions of the Requiem but this is truly atmospheric and ought to be on CD.

[@richardhoover4471]

Absolutely heavenly performance from conductor, singers, and the organist (who artistically navigated that difficult score). I’ve sung this piece many times and never tire of having it envelop me.

[@matts156]

I have been singing in large choirs for over 26 years now and this piece is one of my favorites, so I tend to be merciless when it comes to how well choirs perform it. That being said, your choir definitely did not disappoint by any measure! I loved the pure tones each of you delivered, fantastic vocal discipline, and your faces carried the expressions that I wish many choirs (including my own) would do. Your director did a great job guiding you throughout and he didn't have to "pull it out of you", if you're familiar with that turn of phrase. The organist was also fantastic. Well done, all of you!

[@staffanolofsson8201]

Without sheet music! How can they remember it all? A wonderful rendition and wonderful sound!🎧♥

[@staffanolofsson8201]

The best sound uptaking in a church I ever heard. This fantastic choir together with this organ, with its deep tones, make my bones shiver a bit. I have to put this on repeat. Thank you all for this gift.

[@MarshallArtz007]

@@staffanolofsson8201 : The performance here is simply wondrous. It almost seems that the magnificent pipe organ was custom built just for Duruflé’s Requiem. 😎🎹

[@staffanolofsson8201]

@@MarshallArtz007 Yes indeed!

[@-alain-ferdinandbrun6449]

Magnifique interprêtation à tous les niveaux , voix et orgues . Et sans partition !

[@jfmayeur]

Brillant, magistral, poignant. Un grand moment, bravo à tous !

[@psalmtone2008]

First Durufle Requiem to give me goosebumps...this piece was designed for these forces and a brillant organist. Here we have it....beautifully rendered and presented.

[@MrKeithterrett]

A truly sublime performance by the Trinity College Choir expertly led by Stephen Layton.

[@nathantonning]

Mesmerizing rendition. There were times in the performance when the intensity of the musicians felt almost too intimate for a mere bystander to observe. Well done!

[@user-tr8kp1tf8z]

Completely, utterly, divinely, majestically thrilling and wondrous.THANKYOU.

[@GianlucaTommasi1972]

DIVINE! CELESTIAL! Just discovered this masterpiece of Duruflé, sublime music that really takes me higher, to another dimension. Congrats everybody, everything's perfect: BRAVI! Love from Italy.

[@neilprimrose8720]

The story told to perfection. Thank you.

[@user-gz7ks6gl6y]

exceptionnelle interprétation dans un lieu magnifique, toutes nos racines chrétiennes...

[@stanobert3475]

My favorite Requiem!!

[@dianalee3059]

It’s so impressive to see and hear this magnificent choir perform this sophisticated work from memory! I think that’s a first for me.

[@ondersfreedom6094]

I was a cathedral chorister as a boy We sang Faure's Requiem, the Messiah and similarly intricate and lengthy pieces, all from memory. The hours we spent rehearsing and polishing every word, bar and phrase meant it was just engrained into our memories. It was a very unusual childhood. Some of the best years but also some of the hardest in my life. Much love everyone. ❤🙏

[@dianalee3059]

@@ondersfreedom6094 Lovely, thank you. I totally get you!

[@timotoole705]

An exceptional recording, with remarkable staging and intriguing lighting, perfect voices too. Finest rendition of the Requiem I have ever seen.

[@amysscentsandsongs]

This is so beautiful and brings tears to my eyes. The Pie Jesu sung by Katherine Gregory is my favorite part. Her tone, phrasing, dynamics and breath control are beyond compare. Brava!!! ❤️🏆💕

[@chasjm21]

Yes she nailed it, looks like the Cellist thought so also.

[@michaelp.osullivan7798]

A most sublime rendition of such a gracious work by Maurice Durufle ….

[@LatryLover69]

i love how even the conductor is so expressive. beautifully filmed and recorded too. top notch :)

[@habakkuk76]

This exquisite performance is the very result of the conductor being so expressive. After seventeen years honing this choir to unprecedented standards, he had nothing higher to achieve, so he has left to be able to apply his genius around the musical world. A Hyperion CD will be released in due course.

[@jasonmahan6600]

In Paradisum with its astonishingly beautiful Chorus Angelorum is I think my favorite 1:45 in music anywhere, and it is done with amazing clarity here. Bravo!

[@andreaslederer3976]

Wow, ich war von der ersten Sekunde an wie gebannt… echt stark eure Entwicklung auch in Richtung Tanz… wie aus einer andern Welt, diese sphärischen Klänge…faszinierend die Entwicklung der Obertöne und Klangreibungen und dazu die starken Bewegungsbilder…❤

[@richardouellette8785]

One of the best performances that I have ever heard of this masterpiece. The perfect combination of conductor, chorus, soloists, organist, organ, and space. Incredible experience to hear this. Leaves me in tears multiple times. How perfect is heaven here. Thank you for posting this!

[@szellandclevelandorchestra9753]

The angels did lead me to paradise this morning. There is hope for our species. KZbin is getting better. Heartfelt thanks to all involved and their parents and teachers.

[@reinhardtristaneugen9113]

ein Requiem nach Art einer Motette könnte man sagen... ...durch die Betonung der Vokalmusik entsteht dieser Eindruck bei mir und betont sehr das Sakrale... ...sehr schön... Le p'tit Daniel

[@michaelstevens3854]

Absolute rapture. What an experience! The very best!

[@jackarcher7495]

Saint-Eustache was just down the street from where I lived as a student, long ago. How wonderful to see it again, in this splendid performance of favorite sacred music.

[@marcoantonioseta6102]

Gravação maravilhosa com vozes celestiais. The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge de excelência musical, um "bravi" a todos.

[@user-eu6hc4zz1x]

日本ではなかなかお耳にかかれない名曲です。 Ⅳ曲目は昇天してしまいそう。 大好きな曲。

[@markwardonwords]

I live in a part of the world where I don't get to hear truly excellent choral music. This and Voces8 videos are the closest thing I get to experiencing live choral singing at a high level. THANK YOU!

[@EdiDrums]

See also _Tenebrae_ See also _Bienen Contemporary_ See also _The King's Singers_ See also _The Gesualdo Six_

[@mariahiggins-burke4295]

I absolutely love the Durufle Requim. This one exquisite.❤

[@carolmiddleton9178]

I keep coming back to this. It is a beautiful work of art on every level.

[@valentinbobevski3731]

Всички други думи са излишни.Слушаш с притаен дъх и нарастващ интерес.Голямо благодаря на братята от Кеймбридж!

[@lordenoch0]

I account for at least 50% of the views this past month.

[@pantherred]

I am the other 50%!

[@MarshallArtz007]

@@pantherred: And I’m the third 50% (never was too good at math, though). 😎🎹

[@mrnnhnz]

Phenomenal composition, phenomenally performed! Wow, ending it on a 7th/9th chord! Don't know many composers who could've actually pulled that off successfully, but, oh boy, was it successful here!

[@ZerkaloAngling]

This one always melts my heart.

[@Mark_Dyer]

My favourite, in my CD collection of over one hundred Requiems: and performed in one of my favourite of Paris' great 'non-cathedral' churches. Perhaps it takes a Frenchman to write a truly great, intensely moving, Requiem. But this relatively small college choir have done the English choral tradition proud, too. Thanks so much for posting it.

[@stephenhulbert3500]

I sang this on Saturday with The Sitwell Singers "come & sing" and it was my first experience of the work. What an incredible piece. It's wonderful to have such a great recording to listen to, to remind me of what a great day it was.

[@craigeverhart4755]

Well, the thing is, in performing at a modest level we get occasional glimmers of what the piece holds for us to drink in. But what these folk have recorded is the fully-realized transcendant dream of the piece of which the rest of us have imagined only those shimmering glimpses, even as we strived for the dream. These folk have achieved everything that we only imagined we were doing.

[@Nelsup]

Exemplary and very moving. Perfect balance of choir and organ - such clarity of organ lines interplaying with voices

[@nelsonwhaley6348]

Quite superb in every way. I have not seen or heard singing such as this in years, if at all, let alone from an ensemble of undergraduates. Stunning as well as inspirational conducting.

[@paullewis2413]

Thanks for the upload. IMO Durufle’s Requiem is superior to the more popular Faure. St. Eustache is possibly my favourite church in Paris and a perfect setting for this wonderful work. Outstanding.

[@SymphonieIII]

Sublime and transcendent. Thank each of you in this recording for your artistry and commitment to excellence. 💜

[@galbarido]

outstanding in every possible way , thank you

[@anandsamuel1978]

This an amazing performance of the Requiem of one of my favourite Composer!

[@DerJayger]

Props to the audio engeneer

[@MARINAGym1]

Потрясающее исполнение моего любимого реквиема Дюрюфле! Непередаваемые ощущения во время слушания!

[@thomaschevallier3422]

Magnifique performance! Belle qualité visuelle aussi bien qu'auditive ! Mention particulière pour le kyrie

[@quickfoxxes]

Others have said it well. Such congratulations belong to each individual who made this possible. Thank you immensely for this sublime, ethereal presentation. My prayer is that all get to know the reality of the Holy Spirit living in the hearts of each believer. He is the gift at baptism, seldom opened, and the depth of joy is unrealized to maximum potential. God bless us all. DJ in Knoxville TN

[@kellymaxwell]

Just amazing! The world needs this beauty so much. I'm glad I came to know this choir. Thank you for sharing.

[@steeveheimanumai6495]

Amen ! Wow magnifique 🌈💜

[@VallaMusic]

back in my college days our choir sang from memory as well - happy to see the same here - a practically perfect performance - would have liked to have had 5 or more tenor voices in a few spots - lol - never a problem with a choral groups to hear the sopranos loud & clear - that's for sure

[@kenlaberteaux1418]

We also sang from memory in my college days. Certainly, the Tenor section has the smallest number of singers, but I thought was an intentional decision; I don't have any trouble hearing them, and am frustrated when the T line is too forward. Not here, I thought it was great!

[@Adrianomarino]

Duruflè seducente anche in mezzo alla modernità. C'è tuttavia il gregoriano che vi pone l'anima

[@MrEricHelmuth]

Exquisite performance with wonderful fluidity and fire. Perhaps the best reading of the non-orchestral version I've come across.

[@kenlaberteaux1418]

Some commenters (myself included) mention some audio noise in this video, which is noticeable at several points. Hyperion now offers a noise-free audio recording of this performance (which perfectly synchs with the audio/video presented here). The audio recording has "more of the room", i.e. natural reverb of the large, cathedral space, consistent with recording mics placed further from the musicians. It also supports one commenter's conjecture that the noise was due to a mic picking up a slightly-buzzy lamp.

[@philippeboisson2048]

Magnifique. Cette interprétation est exceptionelle

[@MrMarioman107]

Beautiful-and shot like a movie, amazing cinematography

[@emiolian]

This is a real masterpiece; everything here is out of this world : it's quite hypnotic...chapeau to everyone!

[@dirkmuller8461]

I really enjoyed listen to this epochal piece of music shortly written after the end of WW II which brings another Level of deepness to this Requiem. The visual work in this video is also brilliant. I would recommend listening to Mass for double choir by Frank Martin if you liked this one!

[@paolobottero297]

Magnifica esecuzione !!! grazie!

[@BristolVRchap]

Absolutely spellbinding! What a delight to watch and listen to.

[@kevinfaulkner3466]

Une performance incroyable pour le travail! Magnifique!

[@fitzwilliamontour]

Beautifully sung and played music. Nice earrings. Appealing atmosphere and perfect film art. Cool organist. Thanks very much

[@marklee7864]

The performance is the best in the world ever. How could i express what i feel exactly..❤ Thank you so much!

[@cyntiacyn1]

This is so lovely I didn't want it to end. You've sold this piece to me completely. And in my favourite church with the most thrilling organ in the whole world. Bravo and thanks for the goosebumps!

[@whcscomlat]

It's the best recording of. Op9 I've ever listened to😊 The organ in St Eustache was the best choice. Bravo! ❤

[@UkeOne]

A bountiful treasure of 'vocal and choral' perfection throughout. The voices are 'stunningly' beautiful, with a wonderful balance and blend. The soloists are true 'professional' quality (as 'fine' as they come anywhere). I don't hear many things by Duruflé anywhere, so this is truly a major treat for me. I listen to this with my eyes closed and am blown away by its sheer power and magnificence. A masterful work, indeed!

[@timothymalone7067]

Just listened to this. Absolutely gorgeous!!! Thanks

[@alanbach6087]

that beauty . Thank you for such a beautiful interpretation, enjoy every second. greetings from Argentina.