Durufl's Music Considered

(Paperback)

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Description

In this book, Ronald Ebrecht has meticulously studied each of Durufls works and put together the first book to discuss in detail all of Durufls music. With encouragement from Durufls editor and the foundation established in his name, Ebrecht has compiled copious examples from manuscript sources to be published for the first time along with the little-known contextualizing works of Messiaen and Barraine. Most widely known for his masterpiece Requiem, the composers orchestral gems are analyzed alongside his delightful miniature: the orchestration of the Sicilienne. The organ works which set the standard for virtuosity at conservatories around the world are given new insightful and thorough evaluation by Ebrecht, whose long association with late 19^th and early 20^th century France and French music affords illuminating connections between Durufl and his predecessors and successors with sweeping insight and minute detail.

Reviews

Durufls Music Considered is the culmination of Ronald Ebrechts lifetime work on the musical legacy of the 20^th century composer-organist Maurice Durufl. Ebrecht shares the detailed work he did privately with the composer and his wife, the great organ virtuoso Marie-Madeleine Durufl-Chevalier, on Durufls organ works. Ebrecht also shares his study and research of the entire body of the composers music, including several unpublished works, from the many existing manuscripts and editions as well as through his connections with Durufls colleagues, family, and former students. This book is indispensible for anyone serious about doing an in-depth study of the music of Maurice Durufl. -- James David Christie, David S. Boe Professor of Organ, Oberlin Conservatory of Music (2002-2018)

Maurice Durufl needs no introduction to American organists; his manifold accomplishments as performer, transcriber/reconstituter of recorded improvisations, and above all, composer, have sustained and will continue to nourish interest. In Durufls Music Considered, Ebrecht offers readers his view of Durufls music. The result is both distinctive and a marvelous example of its kind: musical scholarship that keeps the focus on the inner workings of compositions through analysis (Ebrecht prefers narrative) and compositional genesis.... To a noteworthy degree, it is grounded in the authors personal story. With this approach, Ebrecht is not afraid to attribute importance to his own feelings, experiences, and personal opinions within the context of the overall argument. A reader eventually learns that this book is but one part of the authors lifelong engagement with Maurice Durufl, the composer and performer; with his wife, Marie-Madeleine Durufl, the celebrated virtuoso organist; and with Durufls compositions, scores, and related materials.... [A]fter reading this book, I cherish even more deeply my still vivid memories of and feelings for the first time I heard Maurice and Marie-Madeleine Durufl in concert (at Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, in 1969). For those who seek a more personal framework for music studies, Ebrechts book provides a welcome example that merits consideration.

Author Bio

Ronald Ebrecht is professor emeritus from Wesleyan University.