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STUDENT TIMES
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settings, and more. One of his most notable works is previously mentioned, the composer, historical con-
the masterwork, Requiem, first performed in 1888, but text, and text (if included) are all crucial in honor-
not fully completed until twelve years later in 1900. ing the integrity of each piece. Next, we should look
Some speculate that the piece was composed as a cop- at the structural components, such as form, general
ing mechanism for the grief he experienced at the loss harmonic organization, texture, and any places where
of both of his parents. But when asked about his in- conducting might be difficult. Finally, understanding
spiration for the mass, Fauré stated that rather than all the aspects of any given piece of music helps to
writing it in remembrance of a particular person, he create informed personal interpretation and expres-
4
composed the piece “for the pleasure of it.” Using sion.
what we now know, we can dive deeper and more
thoroughly study the music.
From Macro to Micro
In the first stages of score study of Fauré’s Requi-
Score Study em, the overall structure of the work is important to
Every conductor’s process for score study is differ- consider. It is clear that Fauré intentionally created
ent, but there are several fundamental steps that can a structural palindrome to set the Pie Jesu apart from
be taken first that aid in the process. Looking at the the rest of the text. Movement I (Intröit et Kyrie) and
macrocosm of the piece is a good starting point. As VII (In Paradisum) are purely chorus and implement
themes of eternal rest and par-
adise. Movement II (Offertory)
and VI (Libera Me) feature cho-
rus and baritone solos and of-
~ The Handy Music Score Decal ~ fer much more grim and heavy
tones. Movement III (Sanctus)
and V (Agnus Dei) once again
have only chorus and deal with
ideas of praise. Movement IV
(Pie Jesu), which divides the Re-
quiem in half, is a soprano solo
that speaks of Jesus Christ and
asks that he grant eternal rest
to departed souls. In the typi-
What to do until your Music Folder arrives? cal fashion of a requiem, the
entire mass is dedicated to the
adoration of and pleading to
We admit a score printed on your arm is no match for a good folder. God to bestow peace onto the
And we apologize for our temporary shortage of some
iz
e f
And w
e apolog
And we apologize for our temporary shortage of some deceased. Fauré communicates
or our t
emporar
y shor
tage of some
models (caused by supply-chain issues, high demand
and major retooling). Luckily you can pre-order the purpose of this message us-
now to secure your place in the queue and ing different moods and expres-
receive your Music Folder(s) as quickly as possible. sions and simultaneously cre-
Thanks for your patience, but be sure to book today. Premium folders in many ates a symmetrical beginning,

sizes and con gurations. middle, and end. The diagram
MUSICFOLDER.com below shows this palindrome
idea. 5
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70 CHORAL JOURNAL March/April 2023 Volume 63 Number 7