Bob Chilcott: Requiem (Vocal Score)

Following the success of Salisbury Vespers, Bob Chilcott further explores the large-scale liturgical genre with his solemn yet uplifting Requiem. Setting words from the Missa pro defunctis and the Book of Common Prayer, the work gives a new slant to established texts: a beautiful setting of 'Thou knowest, Lord' sits alongside the powerful 'Offertorio', driving 'Sanctus', and enchanting 'Pie Jesu'.

Deserving of a place among the canon of previous settings, Chilcott's Requiem is an elegy for the modern day.

The piano reduction in the vocal score may be adapted for performance on the organ.

Duration: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy to Moderately difficult

"This is, quite simply, a lovely piece; compared to many Requiems, it is gentle, thoughtful and contemplative, with some rich melodic writing, interesting texturing and constantly shifting dynamics that, to me, suggested the smoothly undulating movement of the sea, from which the two solo voices rose, light and ethereal. . .