For Pentecost 16, 2021
Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986) was a Paris-based organist-composer, best known for his transcendent setting of the Requiem. He was notoriously private and self-critical, and his published portfolio is very small - but of immense quality.
The contemplative Méditation was written around 1964, and was played in recital by Duruflé and also by his eminent organist wife Marie-Madeleine Duruflé. Employing a theme used for the Agnus Dei of his Missa Cum Jubilo, it features a piquant melody followed by a solo flute line above luscious string chords with rich double pedalling. it was posthumously published only in 2001, and breathes the composer’s style and spirit in every bar.
Images: The Hallgrimskirkja in Reykjavik, the largest church in Iceland, built 1945-1986 - the cool lines and plain walls make it a surprisingly inspiring and meditative space; Duruflé and his wife at the organ.
Played by Peter Christie on the Viscount Envoy FV-350 digital organ as part of the online music programme for St John's Episcopal Church, Greenock, Scotland.
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