
programme
In Paradisum
David Lang (*1957) solitary
Joby Talbot (*1971) Path of Miracles
performers
Cappella Amsterdam
Daniel Reuss conductor
background
Stichting Requiem Lochem celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, a festive occasion Cappella Amsterdam is proud to provide the musical setting for. For many years, Cappella Amsterdam has played a central role at the annual requiem concerts in Lochem. This anniversary concert is therefore a special continuation of that tradition.
In keeping with tradition, the concert opens with In Paradisum, a Gregorian chant that in the Requiem Mass liturgy symbolizes the soul’s transition to the afterlife. This hushed beginning is followed by solitary by American composer David Lang, a meditative work that, through subtle, repeated motifs, evokes a sense of introspection and timelessness. Lang’s music has previously played a role in Cappella Amsterdam’s history: his work was performed during our 50th anniversary celebration, and he even contributed a personal video message to the choir at that time.
The centerpiece of the program is Path of Miracles (2005) by British composer Joby Talbot, a large-scale a cappella work that gives musical expression to the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. In four movements—each inspired by the stages Roncesvalles, Burgos, León, and Santiago—Talbot evokes both the spiritual and physical journey.