The world-premiere recording of Canadian composer Christopher Tyler Nickel’s Requiem marries the placidity of plainchant to complex rhythmic energy, powerfully communicating an intensely personal listening experience.

“In my music, peace and restlessness co-exist continually”. So explains award-winning Canadian composer Christopher Tyler Nickel, describing his setting of the Requiem, which marries the placidity of plainchant to complex rhythms and meters.

Scored for chamber orchestra, choir and solo soprano, and setting the complete standard Latin text, this world-premiere recording possesses a steady current of energy that propels the work ever-forward, whilst Chris’ contemplative musical language enhances a sense of intimacy that makes its communicative power feel intensely personal.

Requiem
1. I. Introit
2. II. Kyrie
3. III. Gradual
4. IV. Tract
5. V. Dies Irae
6. VI. Tuba Mirum
7. VII. Liber Scriptus
8. VIII. Rex Tremendae
9. IX. Juste Judex
10. X. Confutatis
11. XI. Lacrimosa
12. XII. Pie Jesu
13. XIII. Offertory
14. XIV. Sanctus
15. XV. Benedictus
16. XVI. Agnus Dei
17. XVII. Lux Aeterna
18. XVIII. Responsory
19. XIX. In Paradisum

Recorded between August 21–24 2022 in St Thomas Chapel at Bastyr University, Kenmore, Washington, USA, this impassioned recording opens on the calmness personified within Introit, the more strident Kyrie, the guided Gradual and Tract both, and they are then followed by the gently flourishing Dies Irae, the harmonious Tuba Mirum, the ornately sculpted Liber Scriptus, and then we get the organically-channeled Rex Tremendae.

Along next is the spirited Juste Judex, the upbeat and rhythm-led Confutatis, the beautifully-hued Lacrimosa and the vocally-led Pie Jesu, and they are in turn backed by the gripping Offertory, the layered complexities of Sanctus, the embodied Benedictus, the recording rounding out on the impassioned Agnus Dei, the fervidly sung Lux Aeterna, closing on the chorus-led righteousness of Responsory and the veritably cinematic In Paradisum.

Featuring:
Catherine Redding, soprano
Northwest Sinfonia
Clyde Mitchell, conductor

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