Yizkor Requiem: Scribner / Orchestra Of The Choral Arts Society, Etc

Thomas Beveridge's 'Yizkor Requiem' is dedicated to the memory of his parents, and combines elements that are common to both Jewish and Roman Catholic liturgies. The word "yizkor" means "may he remember," but the yizkor service is not only a funeral ritual, but also serves as a memorial service celebrated on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Similarly, the Catholic "requiem" mass is intended for funeral services but also for general memorial occasions. Beveridge was inspired to write the work following the death of his parents, calling it part of his own ongoing spiritual journey.
The 'Yizkor Requiem' is a large-scale work scored for soprano, mezzo-soprano, cantor (tenor), chorus and orchestra. Beveridge frequently blurs the line between the Jewish and Catholic texts and the result is intensely moving. Soprano Christine Goerke and mezzo-soprano Susanna Poretzky provide interesting contrasts to the cantorial singing of Alberto Mizrahi, and each soloist sings with great emotion. The contribution of the Choral Arts Society of Washington is considerable, for they negotiate Beveridge's grand vocal line with eloquence and power.