On the Wings of Angels — May 22, 2020

Derived from a range of outstanding choral music, my themed Playlists are designed to be like concerts, of about an hour in length. The seventh Playlist in my series is inspired by the annual observance of Memorial Day and dedicated especially to the memory of the those who have lost their lives in the Coronavirus pandemic. If music be the food of love, play on.

Listen on YouTube:

Listen on Spotify:

PROGRAM

Click the links for information on the pieces and texts/translations.

They Are All Gone (from Prayers and Remembrances) Stephen Paulus (1949-2014)

 

Text

Performed by True Concord, conducted by Eric Holtan

 

From Requiem

Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986)

 

Introit
Kyrie

Translation

Performed by:
Swedish Radio Choir, conducted by Fredrik Malmberg (Spotify)
Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, conducted by Graham Ross (YouTube)

 

Arvo Pärt (b. 1935)

Nunc Dimittis

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
                    Luke 2:29-32

Performed by Estonian Philharmonic Choir, conducted by Paul Hillier

 

Selig sind die ToteHeinrich Schütz (1585-1672)

n

Translation

Performed by Collegium Vocale Gent, conducted by Philippe Herreweghe

 

Requiem aeternam (1) (from Herbert Howells (1892-1983)

Requiem)

Eternal rest grant them, O Lord,
And eternal light shine upon them.
                    Requiem Liturgy

Performed by Gabrieli, conducted by Paul McCreesh

 

Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen (from  Ein deutsches Requiem)Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

 

How lovely are thy dwelling places, O Lord of Hosts!
My soul requires and yearns for the courts of the Lord;
My body and soul rejoice in the living God.

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house;
They praise you forever.
                    Psalms 84:1, 2, 4

Performed by Collegium Vocale Gent & Orchestre des Champs-Élysées, conducted by Philippe Herreweghe

 

RequiemEliza Gilkyson (b. 1950); Arr. Craig Hella Johnson

 

Text

Performed by Conspirare, conducted by Craig Hella Johnson

 

Deep RiverArr. Norman Luboff (1917-1987)

 

Deep river, my home is over Jordan.
Deep river, Lord, I want to cross over into camp ground.

Oh don’t you want to go to that gospel feast,
That promised land where all is peace?
                    African-American Spiritual

Performed by Dale Warland Singers, conducted by Dale Warland

 

The Road HomeArr. Stephen Paulus

 

Background and Text

Performed by Dale Warland Singers, conducted by Dale Warland

 

RemembranceWill Todd (b. 1970)

 

Text

Performed by Tenebrae & English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Nigel Short

 

Song for AtheneJohn Tavener (1944-2013)

 

Background and Text

Performed by Gabrieli, conducted by Paul McCreesh

 

In Paradisum (from Requiem in D Minor)Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)

 

Into Paradise may the angels lead you,
May the martyrs welcome you in your coming
And guide you into the holy city Jerusalem.

A chorus of angels will greet you,
And with Lazarus, once a beggar,
May you have eternal rest.
                    Requiem Liturgy

Performed by Tenebrae & London Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensemble, conducted by Nigel Short