2018 Concert Series Gallipoli to the Somme | Page 7

sections of the work. Otherwise, Demessieux’ musical language is rich,
colourful, and sometimes joyfully discordant. It gains its power through
dramatic changes in mood, texture, expressive levels, and interweaving
melodic strands — sometimes as many as ten at a time. Despite her
modern style, Demessieux’ final, long arrival on a full E-major chord
seems perfectly in place — a ‘heavenly resolution’ of utter simplicity.
The Te Deum plainsong that cradles the whole work was sung in Notre
Dame cathedral at the end of World Wars I and II, in each case as a
joyful celebration of the country’s deliverance and a musical token of
its re-dedication.
© Programme notes by Heath Lees
7