Venables' Requiem omits most of the dramatic 'Dies irae' sequence, similar to Fauré and Duruflé, but includes the 'Pie Jesu' stanza.
Performer Biography
Adrian Partington, the director, is the Director of Music at Gloucester Cathedral and Artistic Director of the Gloucester Three Choirs Festival, Europe's oldest music festival.
Historical Context
The Gloucester Cathedral Choir, featured on this recording, has existed in its current form for almost 500 years, since King Henry VIII founded the Cathedral in 1541.
Composition History
Ian Venables' Requiem was initially inspired by his friends Bryce and Cynthia Somerville, leading him to set the Introit for their mother's memorial service.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Ian Venables chose to conclude his Requiem with 'Lux aeterna' instead of the traditional 'In Paradisum', bringing his own personal perspective to the ending.
Composer Biography
Ian Venables, the composer, studied composition with Richard Arnell at Trinity College of Music and later with John Joubert, Andrew Downes, and John Mayer.
Recording & Production
All works on this album, except for John Sanders' 'Dedication', are first recordings.
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