Spiritual

Faure's 'In Paradisum' from the beloved 'Requiem' transports listeners to a heavenly realm. The music unfolds serenely with angelic atmospheres, starting softly with boy choristers. Gentle and continually spiritually elevating, voices, and heavenly harp create a celestial sound, conveying comfort and serenity. The music gracefully flows, offering departure from earthly worries into eternal rest and divine bliss.

Handel's composition transports us to a realm of eternal light and rest. With a radiant, serene violin melody, the music captures divine tranquillity. Gentle pulsations from accompanying strings enhance the serenity. The spacing and slow tempo evoke gazing at a calm, beautiful blue sea, fostering a sense of heartfelt emotion and nostalgia.

If God composed music to herald creation, this would be the score. Harmonies unfold with the universe, voices ascending like a choir glimpsing sunlight for the first time. Intense clashes and resolutions, accompanied by gasps and pauses, create a sublime and transcendental musical experience.

This is a depiction of eternal light � 'lux eterna' as the boy choristers sound at the opening�� and rest extracted from the much-loved work for the deceased by French composer Faure. The music is radiant, serene, and luminous, capturing the essence of eternal peace and divine tranquillity at every turn through the artful word setting, not least of the beseeching Latin verb 'luceat' ('may it shine').

"For Unto Us a Child is Born" from Handel's 'Messiah' is a jubilant Christmas chorus, lively and celebratory. Reflecting the joyous birth of Jesus Christ, the majestic orchestral introduction sets the stage for an exuberant vocal entry. The choir sings with fervour and excitement, delivering triumphant harmonies and energetic melodies. The rhythmic drive and buoyant spirit express anticipation and rejoicing at the promised Saviour's arrival.

This deeply contemplative and soul-searching piece from late Romantic Czech composer Suk begins with the mellow and melancholic sound of the viola, later accompanied by the violin. The rest of the quartet comes to shroud the viola and takes turns in iterating elements of the theme. Suk's exploration of textures, dynamics and expression takes us on a spiritual journey that is unique to the Romantic repertoire.

Uplifting and full of youthful exuberance, this is one of world-famous classical composer Mozart's earlier masses or works for the Catholic church service which take set Latin texts. This has the typical drive and energy of Mozart's choral music with the triumphant timpani's and trumpets to accompany the full choir. The soloists take turns in the middle of the Gloria to act as respite from the overall energy of the Gloria.

This introspective and deeply spiritual piece for solo violin from German baroque composer Telemann captures the out-of-this-world quality of classical music. The solo violin hovers as if suspended in space and looks down on earth, playing its own tune. The intimacy captured by Telemann is reflected in the slow and steady rhythm and overall pulse.

"The Lotus Flower" by Schumann, a poignant voice and piano piece, captures the ethereal nature of the lotus flower. The piano introduces a gentle motif, setting a contemplative atmosphere. The 'mezzo-soprano' voice delivers a tender and graceful melody, expressing themes of love and longing. Lyrical phrases, embellishments, and Schumann's harmonic choices enhance emotional depth. The song progresses with introspection, creating a serene and peaceful ambiance. Expressive nuances contribute to the ethereal quality, transporting listeners into a world of romantic contemplation and emotional depth.

Transcendent: the melody of the soloists and choir gradually rises with the celestial trumpets holding aloft the souls of all people. 'Dona nobis pacem' ��grant us peace � are the last words uttered by the choir as the music comes to a slow and ceremonial close. Exquisite harmonies and dense textures here bring forward an example of a hidden gem within the classical repertoire.