In 2022, as we commemorated the 60th Anniversary of the Casavant Organ of St. Bernard Church, we began the tradition of offering a semiannual “MASSterwork”; a robust sacred music composition offered in its original intended setting, in the context of Holy Mass. We hope that you will join us for our upcoming event, either by singing in the choir, or by attending the First Friday Mass as we explore the rich treasures of our Roman Catholic faith.
Gabriel Fauré
Requiem in D minor, Op. 48
Composer of operas, chamber works, songs, and orchestral music, Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924) is most often remembered for his sacred choral compositions, with the Requiem in D minor, Op. 48 standing as his most famous. Born in Pamiers in the south of France, he entered the École Niedermeyer in Paris at the age of nine, where he studied organ, piano, and composition, later serving as organist and choirmaster at several Parisian churches, including the Church of the Madeleine. Fauré became known both as a teacher—counting among his students Maurice Ravel and Nadia Boulanger—and as a composer whose style bridged Romanticism and Impressionism. His Requiem, composed between 1887 and 1890, differs markedly from the grand, dramatic settings of Berlioz and Verdi, offering instead a restrained, intimate vision of eternal rest. Its serene movements, including the beloved “Pie Jesu” and the ethereal “In Paradisum,” create an atmosphere of consolation and peace that has made it one of the most frequently performed sacred works in the choral repertoire.
Singers are warmly invited to join in presenting this profound work in the very setting for which it was conceived—the solemn celebration of the Holy Mass. Accompanied by chamber orchestra, the Requiem will be offered at the First Friday Mass on November 7, 2025. To prepare, rehearsals will be held at St. Bernard Church, 311 Washington Road, on Thursday, October 30 from 7:00-8:00pm; as well as Tuesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 6 (with chamber orchestra) from 7:00–9:00 p.m. [The St. Cecilia Choir of St. Michael the Archangel Parish will be rehearsing this work weekly on Thursday evenings so additional times can be made known to singers wanting to attend.] Choristers are asked to make every effort to attend both rehearsals as well as the final orchestral rehearsal. Because of the musical demands and the need for balance within the ensemble, any absences should be discussed with the conductor in advance. Scores will be provided at no cost. We encourage you to register today and join us for this beautiful liturgical celebration.
Past MASSterworks
Missa tempore Quadragesima
Michael Hadyn
February 7, 2025
Chaz Bowers, Conductor
Aaron Sproul, Organ
Missa Festiva “Orbis Factor”
Daniel Roth
September 6, 2024
Chaz Bowers, Conductor
Aaron Sproul, Organ
Messe Brève
Yves Castagnet
February 2, 2024
Chaz Bowers, Conductor
Aaron Sproul, Organ
Missa in Honorem Sancti Josephi, Op.21 (Mass in Honor of St. Joseph)
Flor Peeters
May 5, 2023
Chaz Bowers, Conductor
Aaron Sproul, Organ
Mass for Two Choirs and Two Organs, Op.36
Charles-Marie Widor
October 5, 2022
Chaz Bowers, Conductor
Aaron Sproul, Grand Organ
Kevin Litzinger, Choir Organ