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MANSEL THOMAS REQUIEM

Please use these programme notes.  They are free of charge but if you would like to make a small donation to the choir please send to:- Gwent Bach Society, 31 Penydarren Park, Merthyr  Tydfil. CF47 8YP We will be very grateful for any donations to help the choir.

Mansel Thomas was drawn to the setting of the Requiem text after hearing a performance of Durufle's Requiem by the Gwent Bach Society in Usk in July 1978. He took the version of the Requiem text used by Durufle (but with a slight shortening of the Offertory prayer) and completed the music to eight of the nine movements; however he suffered a severe stroke in September 1979 before he could compose music for the Libera me. Two of the movements - Introit and In Paradisum - were given their first performance at Aberystwyth in December 1982 by the University College of Wales Choral Society, conducted by Professor Ian Parrott and these same two movements were performed in the following July by the Gwent Bach Society under the direction of Lloyd Davies. The work is dedicated to the Gwent Bach Society who now - fittingly - are to give the first complete performance This is not the first such enterprise by the Society inrelation to Mansel Thomas's choral music. In April 199 1, again under my direction, the Gwent Bach Society, wit h soloist Cathryn Wyn Rogers and orchestra, gave the first performance in Wales of his cantata In Praise of Wisdom. Mansel Thomas was of course no stranger to Abergavenny or to the Gwent Bach Society. His duties at the BBC inevitably took him all over Wales and he directed a number of broadcasts as conductor and producer from various locations in and around Abergavenny. He also knew the Gwent Bach Society from its foundation in 195 1; he was conductor for a number of its concerts and his wife Megan was frequently a 'cellist in the orchestra. After taking early retirement from the BBC in 1965 to concentrate on composition, it was in Treadam (near Llantilio Crossenny) and then in Abergavenny that he and Megan made their home. This Requiem, published by the Mansel Thomas Trust, is the composer's last choral work and it is also his largest. In all areas of composition he was essentially a miniaturist, being most comfortable in shorter forms - and even this piece is constructed in eight separate movements. It is remarkable for the range of styles and influences that are revealed from time to time: notably (and perhaps less surprisingly) French influence - especially Faure Durufle and Messiaen - and (very surprisingly) plainchant! But one of this composer's chief attributes is present at all stages: his enviable ability to create atmosphere and, within the ambiance of this particular text, a real sense of devotion. The work will be sung in Latin, and English translations appear below: INTROIT - Rest eternal grant unto them, 0 Lord; and let everlasting light shine upon them. A hymn, 0 God, is fitting for Thee in Sion, and unto Thee shall a vow be performed in Jerusalem. Hear my prayer; unto Thee shall all flesh come. Rest eternal grant unto them, 0 Lord; and let everlasting light shine upon them. KYRIE - Lord, have mercy: Christ, have mercy: Lord, have mercy. OFFERTORIUM - 0 Lord Jesus Christ, King of Glory, deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the deep pit; deliver them from the lion's mouth, lest hell may swallow them up and they fall into the realms of darkness; which in ages past Thou didst promise unto Abraham and his seed. Sacrifices and prayers of praise to Thee we offer, 0 Lord: do Thou receive them on behalf of those souls whom we commemorate this day; grant them, 0 Lord, to pass from death unto life. Which in ages past Thou didst promise unto Abraham and his seed. SANCTUS - Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. PIE JESU (with Soprano solo) - 0 Lord, blest Jesu, grant unto them eternal rest. AGNUS DEI - Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant them eternal rest. LUX AETERNA - Let light eternal shine upon them, 0 Lord, with Thy saints for ever, for Thou art merciful. Rest eternal grant unto them, 0 Lord; and let everlasting light shine upon them. IN PARADISUM (with Soprano solo) - May the angels lead thee into Paradise; may the martyrs receive thee at thy coming, and lead thee into the holy city of Jerusalem. May the choir of angels receive thee, and with Lazarus, who once was poor, mayest thou have eternal rest.

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