Bill Ives

composer

Requiem Published, March 2025

Carus Verlag have published both the full and vocal scores of Ives’ Requiem for choir, solo tenor and orchestra.

The work was premiered under the direction of the composer at Magdalen College Oxford in 2008 and later recorded by the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge with the Britten Sinfonia for Signum Classics. This “important work” (Gramophone Magazine) would make a wonderful alternative to the much loved Fauré or Duruflé.

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GRAYSTON IVES
Requiem

The Choir of Jesus College, Cambridge, Britten Sinfonia Richard Pinel, conductor

“In the Requiem many influences are thrown into the musical melting pot and will be apparent to the discerning listener. Ultimately, the piece is firmly rooted in the Anglican choral tradition (written specifically for liturgical performance), the distillation of a lifetime in music … The delicate, sweet sound of a pair of tiny hand-held cymbals is heard at the opening and at intervals throughout. They were bought at Snape Maltings from a group of Tibetan monks who were resident there during the summer of 2008 when ideas for the piece were forming” Bill Ives

Forward to the score by Grayston Ives:

This work was commissioned in 2008 by Mark Loveday to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the founding of Magdalen College, Oxford. It is dedicated to the memory of departed members of the Loveday family who have attended Magdalen since 1700. 

I was privileged to serve at Magdalen as Informator Choristarum (Director of Music) from 1991 – 2009. On 2 November, the church marks All Souls Day with a Solemn Requiem. For the musical settings, the Anglican Church has, for many years, alternated its repertoire between Fauré and Duruflé. These timeless pieces, known and loved throughout the world, work beautifully within the liturgy.

I often thought that a fresh setting might be welcomed. When I was invited by Magdalen College to mark its anniversary with a new work, I seized the opportunity to compose a new setting of the Requiem.

The first performance took place on 2 November 2008 at the Solemn Requiem for All Souls Day held in Magdalen College Chapel, sung by the College Choir under my direction.

My intention was to compose a piece specifically designed for liturgical use, in an approachable style, which choirs could assimilate without too much difficulty.

When performed liturgically, it is not strictly necessary to use all eight movements; choir directors can decide which sections suit their individual needs. Of course, the complete work may be presented as a concert piece.