Requiem voor ('t) Orgel "In tempore belli"

Today, November 2nd, is All Souls' Day - the day the Church commemorates all of the Faithful Departed.

I used to be very strict and precise in my observing the Liturgical Calendar in terms of my uploads. My lowered stamina, plus the fact that I've used up many of my "liturgically correct" pieces have caused me to fall behind in doing this.

Earlier today, I wanted a piece for the day, but had used up pretty much all that I had. I went on IMSLP to see if I could find anything, and was fortunate enough to find this interesting work.

I could find very little information about the composer, Jacques Saldiën, other than that he was born in 1944.

"Requiem voor ('t) Orgel v.2
baalmuziek 'In tempore belli'" was originally composed in 1989, and then revised on December 3, 2022. It is essentially a setting of the "Introit/Kyrie" of the Requiem Mass, which is combined with the sad reality that the world is at war. At the time of the revised composition, it was "only" Ukraine that was under attack, but now we can add Israel to those under assault of death and terror.

I won't analyze the piece, as it's one that's all about mood and atmosphere. If you listen once and don't like it, give another listen or two. I think you'll find it very moving.

As Edwin Starr's (I like Springsteen's live version better) 1970's song, "War" says:

War ain't nuthin' but a heart breaker,
Friend only to the undertaker.
Life is too precious to be fightin' wars each day,
War can't give life, it can only take it away...

The score is attached below, as well as a photo of Jacques Saldiën at the organ in 1982. Check out his lilac-colored socks! :-)

I wish you Peace.