Synopsis:

The end of life is often an object of contemplation, producing some of the most beautiful works of art. The Requiem settings by Mozart, Fauré, and Verdi are justly famous, but they are far from the only ones.

November, in Western and Central Europe, is a traditional time for remembering the departed. All Souls' Day is 2nd November, and November is the Month of the Holy Souls in the Roman Catholic tradition. In addition, 11th November is Remembrance Day, a memorial day observed in the British Commonwealth, commemorating the sacrifices of all members of armed forces and of civilians in times of war, especially during the two world wars. In honour of all these themes, Cappella Martialis present a concert of music written to commemorate the departed.

The programme will include Josquin Desprez's sublime Absalon fili mi, setting the words of King David for his son Absalom, possibly written to mourn the 1497 death of Giovanni Borgia (one of the sons of Pope Alexander VI), and a rarely-performed Missa pro defunctis (Requiem) by the Spanish composer Cristóbal de Morales. Both Josquin and Morales were members of the Sistine Chapel Choir in the early 1500s. Morales, together with Victoria (whom we are also performing), was one of the three greatest composers of the Spanish Golden Age.

The Protestant tradition is represented with works by Anglican composers Tomkins and Purcell, and the earliest Lutheran funerary motet in German, written within Luther's own lifetime. The Eastern Orthodox tradition is represented by the recently-departed British composer John Tavener's Funeral Ikos - a sombre and simple, yet ethereal and deeply moving work.

Programme booklets with full translations of sung texts will be available in both printed and electronic formats.

Admission, as always as free, with a retiring collection that goes toward defraying costs and toward upkeep of the host venue. Tickets not required, but please register to help us plan ushering arrangements and programme printing. Follow us on FaceBook for more updates!

This concert takes place with the very generous support of the Embassy of Spain in Singapore.

Please note: we are singing in the Parish Community Hall, not the main church.

We are doing a second night at the Chapel for All Peoples, St Andrew's Cathedral, on Sun. 4th Nov.: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-paradisum-music-for-the-departed-tickets-51448360431