Lux Aeterna

by Morten Lauridsen
Sunday, March 28, 4:00 p.m.
The choirs of Asylum Hill & Immanuel Congregational Churches combine with full orchestra for a special presentation of Morten Lauridsen's ethereal and moving Lux Aeterna.  Lauridsen composed the requiem in 1997, the year his mother died. She was the "muse" who introduced him to music, playing swing jazz and singing to him as a toddler, and later teaching him to play the piano. The consolation for grief offered by Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna is often compared to that of Fauré's Requiem and Brahms' Ein deutsches Requiem, both inspired by the deaths of the composers' mothers. These works also have in common a deceptive simplicity; yet their capacity to touch the listener reveals mastery at expressing, through music, the depth of human emotion. The five movements of Lux Aeterna are based on various references to light from sacred Latin texts - perpetual light, light risen in the darkness, Redeemer-born light of light, light of the Holy Spirit, light of hearts, most blessed light, eternal light - all supporting an earthbound spirit seeking not only mercy, understanding and consolation, but also renewal.
Portions of this work will be presented in worship at AHCC that Palm Sunday morning, but one must experience the full work, uninterrupted, to absorb the beauty and depth of this important 21st century composition. The choirs will also present selected anthems, ensembles and solo works as part of the afternoon concert. Here is your chance to share the beauty of the music at AHCC with family and friends beyond the church.  Invite them to the concert.  Buy them tickets. Support the music ministry through your attendance and your ticket purchase. Call the ticket line (860) 278-0785.  Tickets are $20.