Fauré Requiem is a Celebration of Life

The centerpiece for our Spring Concert is the Messe de Requiem by Gabriel Fauré. Written between 1887 and 1890, the Requiem reflects the composer's personal feelings and attitudes about death. Fauré said in 1902: "That's how I see death: as a joyful deliverance, an aspiration towards a happiness beyond the grave, rather than as a painful experience."

When one hears the Requiem, one can almost visualize Fauré's belief in this comforting, peaceful view of death. The final movement, In Paradisum, has an unearthly, ethereal quality, evoking choirs of angels leading the deceased to eternal rest in Paradise. "God's holy angels lead you to paradise; may saints in their glory receive you at your journey's end. May you, forever more, rest in peace."

Kyrian Corona

2008 Season Off to a Great Start

Last night we had our first rehearsal of 2008. It was wonderful to experience the enthusiasm of our returning members. We also offered a warm welcome to our new singers; I believe they will find the Burbank Chorale to be a source of musical inspiration and camaraderie. Misha has selected some gorgeous material for our Spring Concert. The Fauré Requiem is one of my favorites - it has an ethereal quality tempered by the noblesse...leave it to the French to meld the meditative with marche! We are also performing a sprightly selection of Elizabethan madrigals - a felicitous ode to Spring.