We finished filming this video shortly before the fire that devastated Notre Dame in Paris on April 15, 2019. The morning after the fire, I sat down to compose an orchestral soundtrack inspired by Notre Dame’s grandeur and quiet serenity, her 2000-year history, and her enduring place in the hearts of men and women the world over.

It has been estimated that it may take as long as 40 years for the great cathedral to be fully restored to all its glory.  But because of the commitment of the government of France, the generosity of the French people and many others around the world, Notre Dame will surely endure for centuries to come.

Notre-Dame Before the Fire is scored for SATB Chorus, alto and boy soprano soloists;  large string section (30 violins, 12 violas, 10 cellos, 9 double basses), brass (2 trumpets, 6 French horns, 2 trombones, 1 bass trombone), woodwinds (2 bassoons, contrabassoon, bass clarinet, English horn, piccolo); and timpani.

We have also published a version of this video as the 25th movement of my Requiem Mass 

M.M. Ray and D. Ellicott Ray