Requiem for a Tribe Brother (Williamson)

"Requiem for a Tribe Brother" is a choral work by Australian-born composer Malcolm Williamson (b.1931, Sydney - d.2003, Cambridge), who was Master of the Queen's Music from 1975 to 2003. ["Malcolm Williamson: A 70th Birthday Tribute" (Paul Conway)]

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Lasting approximately half-an-hour, the "Requiem for a Tribe Brother" is one of Williamson's largest unaccompanied choral works, standing alongside the "Symphony for Voices" of 1962 and the "Mass of Saint Etheldreda" of 1990 in duration. Williamson divides up the extensive text of the traditional Requiem Mass into ten movements, as follows:

*I. Requiem aeternam (Introit)

A brooding chant-like refrain for male-voices, simulating the drone of a didgeridoo, alternates with homophonic passages for full choir.

*II. Kyrie

A tender 3-minute chorale with a harmonic palette which is neither diatonic nor chromatic. This is typical of Williamson, as is consistent throughout the "Requiem".

*III. Domine Jesu Christe (Offertory)

Much in the manner of the opening "Requiem aeternam", passages for soloists are contrasted with densely harmonised sections for the full choir. At nearly 5 minutes, this is the largest and most varied movement of the work.

*IV. Pie Jesu

Highly operatic solos for tenor and alto are pitted against a richly coloured chordal backdrop for full choir.

*V. Sanctus

After a grand and imposing statement of "Sanctus ... etc.", there is a lively dance-like coda in 5/8 metre on the word "Hosanna".

*VI. Benedictus

A mysterious introduction is followed by a reprise of the "Hosannas" from the previous movement.

*VII. Agnus Dei

In common with the second movement, the "Agnus Dei" is a slow chorale, including many harmonic diversions and unexpected changes of key.

*VIII. Lux aeterna (Communion)

This movement features two soprano soli which float above the rest of the choir throughout.

*IX. Libera me

A fast and fiery dance primarily for tenors, built on an ostinato figure in the basses. Towards the end of the movement, there is a brief reprise of material from the opening "Requiem aeternam".

*X. In Paradisum

The serene concluding movement, in C major, derives its melody from the opening of the "Song of Hope" from Williamson's choral-symphony for Kath Walker, "The Dawn Is At Hand" (1987-89). [Harris & Meredith, pp.476 - 478]

Recordings

*NAXOS: Joyful Company of Singers, directed by Peter Broadbent. [Naxos Records Ltd.]

References