Warner Classics: 2564698480

Campra: Messe de Requiem

It is not known when or for what occasion Campra composed his Messe de Requiem, although the date 1722 is generally accepted as the most accurate. The structure of the Mass is by no means typical, there is no "Dies Irae", and where another composer might have set the choir blazing in the "Sanctus", Campra writes a graceful pastoral with flutes. The “Post-Communion” momentarily rejoices and settles on major-key fade out, only to return to the minor at the last minute. There is little in the way of counterpoint or convention, making this mass truly unique and highly underrated.