Maurice Durufle
Maurice Durufle
Durufle, was a member of the modern french school. Although not very prolific, (he only published 14 pieces), Durule's works are each meticulously written. All of his music has a basis in Gregorian chant, as he was director of the Gregorian Institute at the Paris Conservatory. He was born in 1902 in Louviers and attended the cathedral school at Rouen where he developed his talents under the auspices of catholic music, in particular Gregorian Chant, which was to permeate his music.

After the first World War he worked with one of Cesar Franck's students at a church in Paris, eventually ending up at the Paris Conservatory. He won prizes for composition, organ and harmony, among other things. He was organist at a Parisienne church from 1930 until his death in 1986, a position which he and his wife held jointly from 1953. By 1943 Durufle had settled in at the conservatory as professor of harmony. After a car accident in 1975, he had lost the ability to perform, however remained active in the music community until his death in 1986.
These are his works:up

  • Tryptique pour piano Op. 1 (c.?)
    to Louis Vierne. It seems this work was withdrawn by Duruflé and is not known.
  • Scherzo pour orgue Op. 2 (1926)
    to Charles Tournemire.
  • Prelude, recitatif & variations pour flute, alto & piano Op. 3 (pub. 1929)
  • Prélude, Adagio et Choral Varié sur le thème du 'Veni Creator' Op. 4 (1930) Organ
    to Louis Vierne.
    I love this piece, especially the Seventh Chord (I think it's a Seventh..) towards the end.. great effect..
    • Prelude
    • Adagio
    • Choral varié
  • Suite pour Orgue Op. 5 (1933)
    To Paul Dukas
    • Prélude
    • Sicilienne
    • Toccata
  • Trois danses pour orchestre Op. 6 (1932)
  • Prélude et Fugue sur le nom d'A.L.A.I.N. Op. 7 (1942) Organ
    This piece was written in memory of a younger colleague killed in WWII in 1940. Thematic material derived by converting the last name of friend Jehan Alain (the brother of famous organist Marie-Claire Alain) into musical notation. Alain was killed during the Second World War.
    • Prélude
    • Fugue
  • Andante & scherzo pour orchestre Op. 8 (1940)
  • Requiem Op. 9 (1947)
    His most famous and influential work, it exists in three versions: a version for large orchestra and organ, an organ-only version--both dating from 1947--and a version for organ and smaller orchestra from 1961.
    • Introit
      This with the Kyrie ranks on my most favoured list. Awesome!!
    • Kyrie
    • Domine Jesu Christe
    • Sanctus
    • Pie Jesu
      Great Cello!!
    • Agnus Dei
    • Lux aeterna
    • Libera me
    • In Paradisum
  • Quatre Motets sur des themes gregoriens Op. 10 (1960) Mixed Choir
    to Auguste Le Guennant, director of the Gregorian Institute of Paris.
    • Ubi cantas et amor
      My fav of the four, I've done it two or three times. Like all of Durufle's music it takes a Gregorien Theme as it's foundation
    • Tota pulchra es
      Really nice and light piece, SSA.
    • Tu es Petrus
      Almost a spiritual!
    • Tantum ergo
  • Messe Cum Jubilo Op. 11 (1966) Bar Choir/Org or Orch
    to Marie-Madeleine Duruflé. Composed on a request by Auguste Le Guennant, director of the Gregorian Institute of Paris.
    • Kyrie
    • Gloria
    • Sanctus
    • Benedictus
    • Agnus Dei
  • Fugue sur le thème du Carillon des Heures de la Cathédrale de Soissons Op. 12 (1962) Organ
  • Prélude sur l'Introit de l'Épiphanie Op. 13 (1960) Organ
  • Notre Pere Op. 14 (1976)
    Two versions: one for unaccompanied mixed choir, another for male voices and organ accompaniment. His last (?) composition.

Links to other Durufle pagesup

[PREV][NEXT]