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

[@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!

[@lugubrioz]

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

[@louisthwaites6875]

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

[@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.

[@ZacharyJMoore]

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

[@JulesSchattenberg]

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]

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

[@JulesSchattenberg]

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

[@BruceXuHasADream]

100% agree

[@chasjm21]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@TheNjsb]

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

[@corey57255]

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

[@annastinehammersdottir1290]

I will be singing this with my High Mass choir for All Saints in a couple of days and our director has sent us the link to help us prepare. This will be my fourth time and while we will never be as remarkable as this choir I can honestly say that is the most moving piece of music I have ever sung and probably the last time as our current director is retiring. I will refer to this recording for the rest of my life: simply sublime and magnificent. Thank you and God Bless.

[@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.

[@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!

[@johnterwal7190]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jamesdelsono]

@@gabrielmorales9752 Did he?

[@gabrielmorales9752]

@@jamesdelsono It is written. Anything great comes from Him, and so does the free will whereby we choose what to make of it.

[@jamesdelsono]

@@gabrielmorales9752 written where, and by whom? I've written plenty of nonsense in my lifetime, too. Why should I believe anything, just because it is "written"?

[@gabrielmorales9752]

@@jamesdelsono No one has proof, that's why it's called faith. The difference between the "nonsense" we can write and that which is found in the Bible is that it describes the way to living how God wishes for us, namely to live like Christ did. Why live like Christ, why bother at all? Study it closely, with desire to understand, and you will see that it focuses on others and not one's own self. Mankind tends to craft and write for his own gain and benefit.

[@timcooke6724]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@arjanvisser6658]

Truly magnificent.

[@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.

[@WouterTukker]

@@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

[@chasjm21]

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

[@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

[@jfmayeur]

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

[@earlofderbycharlesworth1975]

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

[@michaelstevens3854]

Absolute rapture. What an experience! The very best!

[@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.

[@Justasv650]

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.

[@andrecostapinho-cirurgiaob7684]

Que interpretação magnífica, perfeita e divinal de uma das mais belas obras corais que existem! Parabéns a todos, coralistas, maestro, organista, produtores e assistentes!

[@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.

[@merrillcollins]

Very Grateful for this divine performance . I'm stuck in isolation with Covid and had time to just listen to the whole Requiem. SOOOOOO well done ! Thank you all you beautiful singers and conductor and organist and cellist et al.

[@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.

[@JaneCantlon]

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

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@timotoole705]

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

[@neilprimrose8720]

The story told to perfection. Thank you.

[@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_

[@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.

[@-alain-ferdinandbrun6449]

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

[@MrKeithterrett]

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

[@harfenspieler]

Pure bliss. I cannot thank you enough for making this available. ❤

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@carolmiddleton9178]

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

[@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

[@GilbertBrothier]

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

[@michaelp.osullivan7798]

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

[@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…❤

[@kekemaxx]

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

[@whcscomlat]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@SymphonieIII]

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

[@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.

[@Nelsup]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@fitzwilliamontour]

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

[@VladimirMagalashvili]

Thanks so much for your interpretation and beautiful filming! I enjoyed every minute of it. All the best from Berlin.

[@天花順和]

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。

[@MrEricHelmuth]

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

[@anandsamuel1978]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@mariahiggins-burke4295]

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

[@kevinfaulkner3466]

Une performance incroyable pour le travail! Magnifique!

[@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!

[@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!

[@emiolian]

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

[@marklee7864]

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

[@BristolVRchap]

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

[@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!

[@alanbach6087]

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

[@MrMarioman107]

Beautiful-and shot like a movie, amazing cinematography

[@raymondsmyth2169]

The first time I have heard this work, perfect in every way BRAVO,many many thanks.

[@pantherred]

When I first heard it years ago I couldn't believe it isn't better known.

[@timothymalone7067]

Just listened to this. Absolutely gorgeous!!! Thanks

[@paolobottero297]

Magnifica esecuzione !!! grazie!

[@michaelwinningham6166]

Absolutely wonderful-it brings tears to my eyes. It is truly sublime music and breathtaking execution. Bravo!

[@steeveheimanumai6495]

Amen ! Wow magnifique 🌈💜

[@valentinbobevski3731]

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

[@thomaschevallier3422]

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

[@OrganGuyPhil]

Truly beautiful, both musically and visually! Thank you! 🎶🙏🎶

[@dreamer_4937]

Stunning endeavour! What a rousing and powerful rendition of this masterpiece. Such close attention to the text and beautiful voices. And that organ!! What a beast. Incredible venture, wish I was there. And to be memorised too, amazing feat.

[@MyriaCharlesOfficial]

Merci pour le don de la musique ô mon Dieu! 🩵🤍💜

[@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

[@stanobert3475]

My favorite Requiem!!

[@maticcater4228]

Everytime I play this video, I remember when Stephen Layton and Harrison Cole came in Slovenia and played it with our choir from I. Gymnasium Celje. Amazing experience and music. Heartmelting❤❤❤

[@marcoantonioseta6102]

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