Our summer concert offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy and compare the two requiems of Fauré (first performed 1888 and revised for performances in 1893 and 1900) and Duruflé (written 1947, revised 1948 and 1961). Both composers chose a similar set of texts (omitting most of the terrifying Dies Irae and adding in the final hopeful In Paradisum) and both adopted an intimate, reflective approach to these texts. Both, too, took inspiration from plainsong. The Fauré is famously lyrical and serene, while the Duruflé moves between tranquillity and anguished drama. Comments posted by listeners on performances that can be heard on YouTube testify to the emotional power of both.