THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, April 7, 1995 TAG: 9504050237
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 02B EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Marlene Ford
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
A mere seven centuries after the Middle Ages, the Gregorian chant is once again the rage. A very peaceful rage, of course, but incredibly popular.
At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and 8 p.m. Wednesday the Virginia Wesleyan College Choir and the newly formed Symphonic Chorus, directed by David Clayton, present ``A Concert of French Music'' featuring Maurice Durufle's chant-inspired ``Requiem,'' Op. 9
Clayton said, ``It's amazing that Gregorian chant is so popular with all kinds of music lovers. Chants are played on the radio. Today people are buying best-selling CDs of monks chanting.
``And I believe many people who are enjoying the current popularity of chant will enjoy Durufle's music. The composer based this particular work on actual chant melodies. Sometimes the chants are exactly as they would have been sung centuries ago, sometimes altered or sometimes are the very inspiration behind his own melodies.''
The original version of the ``Requiem'' was composed in 1948 for full orchestra. Later Durufle composed a version for organ alone and one for a reduced orchestra of double strings, three trumpets, harp and organ. The College Choir and community Symphonic Chorus are presenting the latter. Members of the Virginia Symphony will also perform.
Clayton added, ``The harmonies are Impressionistic or modern, but still always simple and direct. The conclusion of the `Requiem' ends unresolved - and as in chant, there is this whole sense of eternity.''
Other works on the program include ``Cantique de Jean Racine,'' Op. 11 and ``Messe Basse'' by the well-known French composer, Gabriel Faure. The ``Cantique'' is an early work and one of Faure's most popular and frequently performed choral pieces. This performance is elegantly accompanied by harp and cello. The ``Messe Basse'' is a short, simple but exquisite mass for women's voices and harmonium.
Both concerts will be performed in memory of William Wilson, the college's former dean and vice president for academic affairs.
The Tuesday concert is at Virginia Beach United Methodist Church, 19th Street and Pacific Avenue. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
The Wednesday performance is in the Hofheimer Theater on the college campus. Admission for all ages is $7.50. For reservations or more information, call 455-3200.
THE CHARLES WESLEY CHOIR of the Virginia Beach United Methodist Church is also preparing several choral concerts - but these will all be in Europe.
Between April 22 and 30, 43 members of the choir, including Joyce Clarke, director of music ministries; Wanda Tyner, organist; and senior pastor and tenor, Paul Bailey, will be presenting concerts in Lucerne, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna.
According to the director, for months the singers have been preparing sacred music of Handel, Tallis, Mozart, Pachelbel and Bruckner. In addition, they will present a group of American anthems including spirituals and a Shaker tune. ILLUSTRATION: Virginia Wesleyan Choir and Symphonic Chorus will accompany the
``Requiem'' made for a reduced orchestra of double strings, three
trumpets, harp and organ.
by CNB