Adult Education

Sunday, October 18 & 25, 12 noon, the Nave

EXPLORING REQUIEMS

with Robert Ludwig, Director of Music

THE LATIN WORDS “REQUIEM AETERNAM” MEAN "grant them eternal rest" and, for centuries, were the first words spoken or sung in a Catholic Mass for the deceased.  Thousands of composers have ventured to create music for Requiems - ranging from famous ones by Mozart and Verdi to emotionally challenging ones by Britten and Penderecki. 

In the first session, Robert Ludwig, Music Director at St. Stephen's will lead us through these varied compositions from the 10th century to the 21st.  We’ll hear samples of Gregorian chants, Renaissance, Classic, Romantic and modern compositions.  

In the second session, we’ll learn about the famous English composer, Sir John Rutter, (whose composition our choir will sing on November 1 at 4 pm).  Rutter composed his Requiem in 1985 in memory of his father.   About his composition he said, "It is intimate rather than grand, contemplative and lyric rather than dramatic, consolatory rather than grim, approachable rather than exclusive. I suppose that some will find the sense of comfort and consolation in it facile, but it was what I meant at the time I wrote it, in the shadow of a bereavement of my own."

We’re excited to have Robert share his expertise and passion for Requiems. After the 10:30 service, there’s just enough time to enjoy goodies at coffee hour in the Parish Hall. We’ll need to leave our crumbs and dishes behind and head to the Nave for a 12 noon program.