In Paradisum

In Paradisum sets a prayer from the Roman Catholic Burial Service, often used as a movement in settings of the Requiem Mass. The opening emerges from silence and builds in texture until all eight parts are present. There follows a gentle two-part melody accompanied by humming lower parts (‘In paradisum’), followed by a majestic, largely homophonic section (‘Chorus angelorum’), and a closing section wich echoes the opening. The gentle dissonances but approachable part-writing make for an enjoyable four-minute work for intermediate choirs comfortable singing in eight parts.