Based on the design of Chartres, Soissons was built over 100 years, from 1177 until the late 13th century. Designated by the Pope a “basilica,” the Cathedral holds special status in the Roman Catholic Church, including the right to possess a papal throne and papal high altar.  

For the text sung by the choir, I chose Requiem Aeternam from the Latin Mass (English translation Eternal Rest). I scored the piece for large chorus, strings (11 violins, 13 cellos, and 9 double basses), and 6 French horns.  A version of Requiem Aeternam also appears in my Requiem Mass (2021), 1st movement.

M.M. Ray and D. Ellicott Ray