Maurice Duruflé, Requiem Op 9: A New Reading
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
This project investigates performance practice questions in the op. 9 Requiem by Maurice Duruflé for choir, soloists and organ. The focus is on the role of the organ. Three interrelated areas are interrogated: textual fidelity/expansion; colour and registration and pliability of rhythm; and through a number of departures from Durufle’s 1947 organ transcription, a new reading is offered.
Research Contribution
1) Textual fidelity/expansionSmith made significant additions/improvements to the original organ part by incorporating elements from the two orchestral versions. Eg recording 8.20-9.45 and 14.23-15.15.2) Colour and RegistrationTaking Hans-Ola Ericsson’s Messiaen recordings as an exemplar, where she was faced with a potentially ‘inappropriate’ instrument of the music, Smith reimagined the sonic palate of the work in an alternative registration scheme. For example—from 3.18 revised build-up scheme; alternative colours (11.15-13.00), (25.04-28.36)3) Pliability of rhythm Drawing on earlier work on flexibility and freedom in Romantic performance practice, Smith applied these principals to the various organ solo components of the work. Example 6.40-7.30; 25.55-26.38;
Research Significance
The work was produced by the WASO, performed at the Perth Concert Hall to a capacity audience and was recorded and disseminated by the ABC (broadcast on and available for a month thereafter). Reviews in Limelight, Seesaw, BachTrack and in the West Australian “Devotional awe ran through the opening Introit, crystalline choral setting offset by rolling lines in Stewart Smith’s organ playing; song lines dramatically duplicated then swollen by accompaniment.” This research contributes to the scholarly revaluation of mid-20C French performance practice.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2021
Location of the Work
Perth
Publisher
West Australian Symphony Orchestra, ABC
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
43573
Event Title
Bach's Easter Oratorio and Duruflé Requiem
Event Dates
March 31, 2021
Event Venue
Perth Concert Hall
Additional Information
1st half of standard evening concert
Duration
38 mins
Comments
Smith, S. (2021). Maurice Duruflé, Requiem Op 9: A New Reading. [Live performance]. Perth Concert Hall.