Agnus Dei & Lux Aeterna by Marc-André Bougie

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Live recording of Marc-André Bougie's Agnus Dei & Lux Aeterna from full Requiem performance at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Texarkana, TX on November 16, 2021. Featuring the Texarkana Regional Chorale & Orchestra; Candace Taylor, soprano & Thomas Irwin, baritone; Marc-Andre Bougie, Conductor.

Program notes from the composer: I began the composition of Requiem in April 2020, when pandemic confinement forced me into finding creative ways of continuing my musical work. I had begun sketching musical ideas for the piece many years back, however lacked the time and stillness of mind to bring the composition to fruition. Now, with a lucid mind, the opportunity to work on this project in earnest was present.

Two months later, an invitation to perform the work within the context of a Latin Mass in the extra-ordinary form was extended by Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Texarkana, TX. Even though the work was only half-completed, I decided to meet the deadline, which was barely a month away. I was able to finish the work and bring together a chamber ensemble of singers and instrumentalists to perform the piece on July 30, 2020.

The structure of Requiem follows the traditional Classical format. The first movement, Requiem Aeternam, begins with a soprano solo setting the atmosphere of the composition – a reflection on the concept of rest, and of movement therein. The movement ensues with a series of solo and choral sections. As the climax of the words of this opening antiphonal is reached, the Kyrie is introduced, using the same musical material. Dies Irae begins in an ominous fashion, embodying the human fear of the final judgement. As the text of the Medieval sequence turns more personal, the solo baritone takes over the narration. The chorus joins in with interjections of the ancient Dies Irae chant. Domine Jesu Christe begins with a fanfare that will become a unifying musical element of upcoming sections. When the prayer reaches the Quam olim Abrahae strophe, it is treated in fugal style. The solo baritone reappears with the words Hostias et preces, only to be interrupted by the choir singing the Quam olim Abrahae once more. The Sanctus begins in slow and solemn manner, reminiscent of the quiet yet mighty glory of the Most High. It is followed by the fanfare introducing the words of the Hosanna. The Benedictus is set as a soprano and baritone duet. As it quietly ends, the Hosanna fanfare reappears, with full choir and orchestra. Agnus Dei begins introspectively as the orchestra and the a cappella choir alternate. The third statement of Agnus Dei leads directly into the sixth movement, Lux Aeterna. The solo soprano intones this music of light, as this musical journey comes to an end. When the words cum sanctis tuis are sung by the soprano, the choir joins in, and all lead into the musical climax of the entire piece. A musical coda, using the words Requiem aeternam, concludes the work. The solo soprano utters the very last few words of the movement, bringing the composition to a peaceful close.

Requiem was premiered in full concert setting on November 16, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Texarkana, TX. The Texarkana Regional Chorale and Orchestra as well as the Texarkana College Choir participated. Candace Taylor and Thomas Irwin were the soprano and baritone soloists. The piece is dedicated to Rev. Fr. Michael J. Adams, pastor emeritus of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

©Marc-André Bougie, 2022