I first heard this recording on an LP from the Musical Heritage Society (which no longer exists). Durufle’s requiem is well known, in various forms for orchestra and organ. His compositions are few. Yet this seldom heard and seldom recorded Messe “Cum Jubilo” Op.11 is just flat out wonderful. An exquisite piece of music presented here with full orchestra, organ, baritone choir, baritone soloist and strangely an uncredited tenor who provides an unexpected ‘stab of brightness to pierce the heart’. I do not know of any other recording that has the enchanting danses. This has not only the added benefit of the composer’s wife doing two organ solos but the composer himself conducts the whole thing.

The major flaw is the absolutely devastating rubbish sound quality. The LP had much better sound (and clicks an pops). So imagine my great disappointment when this finally made it to compact disc and the audio engineers were asleep at their consoles. I mean, the recordings are not THAT old.


Thus if any of you great sound engineers out there can take this beautiful Mass and bring it to life, please do so.

It is a muffled mess with no true highs or true lows.

That aside: it is gorgeous stuff.



Maurice Durufle 1902- 1986

Messe “Cum Jubilo” Op 11
-Kyrie
-Gloria
-Sanctus
-Benedictus
-Angus Dei

4 Motets Op 6

3 Danses Op 6

Two works for solo organ

https://mega.co.nz/#!sglCxbZD!V0dGxWx5Qkaax7qZjzyDqFImMk1S2B3no1EI4UG awnQ

(booklet included)