Philip Ledger: Requiem: A thanksgiving for life. S and T solo, mixed choir, chamber ensemble with organ, or orchestra (without organ), or organ. Encore

Vocal Score £9.95

This sets Latin movements interspersed with poems by Thomas Traherne; it may be sung liturgically or as a concert piece. Ledger achieves a style of simplicity and directness which enables the listener to reflect on the meaning of the words. It also maintains the atmosphere of thanksgiving and of hope. The soprano sings the opening Birth of the soul, which is followed by Requiem aeternam for the choir. One of the impressive features of the work is the use of textures – the soprano solo followed by the tenors and basses of the choir, answered by fanfare-like phrases from the upper voices. After this chordal music, the Kyrie is contrapuntal; and so the work proceeds. This is an impressive piece, which could be performed by a moderately skilled parish choir, and could be rehearsed and ready for performance in a short time by a cathedral ensemble.

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