The Requiem in C minor by Francesco Durante (1684–1755) is one of the most important works of this genre written in the first half of the 18th century. In his Messa de’ morti, Durante shows great creativity in combining traditional elements of church music with new ideas originating from instrumental writing and opera. The quality and originality of his Requiem make it an exciting rediscovery with the potential to establish itself as a core repertoire work of sacred choral music.

Mainly known today as the teacher of Pergolesi and Paisiello, Durante spent much of his life working as music director at various conservatories in Naples and enjoyed great renown as a church composer well into the 19th century. Despite its widespread popularity, indicated by the number of manuscript copies to be found across Europe, his Requiem never appeared in print. For this first publication, editor and leading British choral director Stephen Darlington has consulted many of the approximately 50 surviving sources of the work, presenting a critical edition which for the first time makes Durante’s Requiem available to a wider musical audience.

Particularly suitable for smaller choirs and ensembles: soprano and alto solo, double choir (SSATB ATB) and strings (plus 2 horns in the Tuba mirum).