What makes Duruflé: Complete Choral Works by Ken Cowan notable?

This album is notable for its comprehensive collection of Duruflé's choral works, highlighting the composer’s unique synthesis of Gregorian chant and modern harmonies. It has received critical acclaim for its clarity and emotional depth, contributing to a renewed interest in Duruflé's music within both academic and performance circles. When Ken Cowan released 'Duruflé: Complete Choral Works' in 2019, he was already an established organist and conductor, known for his interpretations of classical sacred music. This album showcases his deep commitment to the works of Maurice Duruflé, marking a significant addition to his discography focused on liturgical compositions.

How many songs are on Duruflé: Complete Choral Works?

Duruflé: Complete Choral Works has 19 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

Duruflé: Complete Choral Works

Ken Cowan · 2019

68 min · 19 tracks

A transcendent blend of rich choral textures and organ accompaniment, invoking both reverence and introspection throughout its sacred themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Messe “Cum Jubilo” pour chœur de barytons et orgue, op. 11: II. Gloria — The 'Gloria' movement stands out for its jubilant energy and intricate vocal harmonies that embody the spirit of celebration inherent in the mass setting.
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Requiem pour soli, chœurs et orgue, op. 9: Pie Jesu — In 'Pie Jesu,' the serene melodies and delicate interplay between soloists and choir create an intimate moment of prayer that poignantly captures the essence of grief and hope.
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Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens pour chœur a cappella, op. 10: Ubi caritas — 'Ubi caritas' beautifully showcases Duruflé’s ability to blend traditional chant with lush contemporary harmonies, making it a highlight of the choral repertoire.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and performances, with effective pacing and thematic clarity.

What we noticed

Each piece is structured with distinct sections, such as Kyrie, Gloria, and Sanctus in the mass settings, allowing for a traditional liturgical flow.
The use of organ accompaniment throughout enhances the choral textures, providing both harmonic support and dynamic contrast across different pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Messe “Cum Jubilo” pour chœur de barytons et orgue, op. 11: I. Kyrie 3:44
2 Messe “Cum Jubilo” pour chœur de barytons et orgue, op. 11: II. Gloria 6:12
3 Messe “Cum Jubilo” pour chœur de barytons et orgue, op. 11: III. Sanctus 3:52
4 Messe “Cum Jubilo” pour chœur de barytons et orgue, op. 11: IV. Benedictus 1:59
5 Messe “Cum Jubilo” pour chœur de barytons et orgue, op. 11: V. Agnus dei 4:04
6 Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens pour chœur a cappella, op. 10: I. Ubi caritas 2:48
7 Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens pour chœur a cappella, op. 10: II. Tota pulchra es 2:06
8 Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens pour chœur a cappella, op. 10: III. Tu es petrus 1:01
9 Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens pour chœur a cappella, op. 10: IV. Tantum ergo 2:39
10 Notre Père pour chœur a cappella 1:30
11 Requiem pour soli, chœurs et orgue, op. 9: I. Introit 3:32
12 Requiem pour soli, chœurs et orgue, op. 9: II. Kyrie 3:46
13 Requiem pour soli, chœurs et orgue, op. 9: III. Domine Jesu Christe 8:34
14 Requiem pour soli, chœurs et orgue, op. 9: IV. Sanctus & Benedictus 3:06
15 Requiem pour soli, chœurs et orgue, op. 9: V. Pie Jesu 3:14
16 Requiem pour soli, chœurs et orgue, op. 9: VI. Agnus Dei 3:48
17 Requiem pour soli, chœurs et orgue, op. 9: VII. Lux aeterna 4:14
18 Requiem pour soli, chœurs et orgue, op. 9: VIII. Libera me 5:33
19 Requiem pour soli, chœurs et orgue, op. 9: IX. In Paradisum 2:47

What to play next

Go back to

Ken Cowan Plays Organ Works by Dupre, Roger-Ducasse, Bach, Lemare, and Manari

2001

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