Requiem, Op. 54

Camille Saint-Sa?ns (1835-1921) composed his REQUIEM, Op. 54, in 1878 as a tribute to his close friend and benefactor Albert Libon, whose death the previous year deeply affected him. Written with remarkable speed, the REQUIEM reveals Saint-Sa?ns’ profound respect for French sacred tradition, blending liturgical solemnity with the clarity and balance characteristic of his style. Scored for chorus, soloists, organ, and a richly colored orchestra that notably includes four harps, the work avoids theatrical excess and instead offers a dignified, contemplative meditation on the Mass for the Dead. The premiere took place on May 22, 1878, at the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris, with Charles-Marie Widor at the organ. Though less frequently performed today than the requiems of Berlioz, Faur?, or Verdi, Saint-Sa?ns’ REQUIEM stands as a beautifully crafted and deeply sincere contribution to the French sacred repertoire, admired for its luminous textures, architectural poise, and spiritual serenity. Instrumentation: 4.2+2EH.2(alt. for EH).4: 4.0+2Cnt(alt. for Hn).4.0: GrandOrg.OrgAcc: 4Hp: Str (4.4.3.3.3 in set): Solo SATB. Mx Chor. Reprint edition.