The Chapel Choir performed an array of Christian spiritual music in its first performance of the semester Feb. 4. 

A baroque trumpet ensemble from the Eastman School of Music, a competitive music school in Rochester, New York, accompanied the choir for the performance of “Requiem.” Johann Michael Haydn originally composed it for a funeral Mass in 1771. 

This concert was a “Concert Spirituel,” a spiritual concert performed in a chapel, whose tradition can trace its roots back to 18th-century Paris. 

This performance was originally scheduled for last semester but was postponed to give the choir more time to master the work, according to junior Matt Byrne.

Timothy McDonell, director of sacred music, conducted the chapel choir in pieces including  “O Radiant Dawn,” by James MacMillan and “Chantez à Dieu,” by Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck. 

Junior Ezra Blackwell said he enjoyed performing with the Eastman School of Music, which he believes showcased professionalism in the music department. 

“The only dress rehearsal we had was an hour before the show,” Blackwell said. “It’s how professional musicians are, you just show up. They knew what they were doing, and it was pretty efficient.”

Michael Ruhling, a visiting professor and Haydn scholar, conducted the Chapel Choir, orchestra, and Eastman School of Music Baroque Trumpet Ensemble through excerpts from “Requiem.”

Byrne, a bass in the choir, said he enjoyed performing “Requiem” because of the array of depth and emotion in the piece.

“It’s kind of spooky at times, but it’s enjoyable to sing some of the fast parts, and then there are slower parts that are more melodic. It’s peaceful,” Byrne said. 

Sophomore Sophie Schlegel, who attended the performance, noticed the depth of the pieces as well.

“The harmonies and use of dynamics were incredible and created such a sense of awe in the listener,” Schlegel said.

Blackwell said he was satisfied with the performance, especially of “Requiem,” and how the choir, orchestra, and baroque trumpet ensemble performed and delivered the emotions of the piece.

“Once the performance happens, people rise to the occasion a little,” Blackwell said. “I think you have to give it your all in order to convey what the music is actually holding.”

Students and visitors from the Center for Constructive Alternatives attended the performance and said they were stirred by the emotions the pieces showcased and the harmony between every section of performers.

“The show was an absolute honor to witness,” freshman Miles Minard said. 

The pieces selected for the concert all centered around Christian themes. Though many pieces were in Latin, with English translations in the playbill, they still deeply resonated with listeners, according to Schlegel.  

“From the first note of the performance I got chills. It was beautiful,” Schlegel said. “What was interesting was that even though most of the words were in Latin or French, making it difficult to understand them, it still stirred my spirit.”