The Requiem op. 9, completed in 1947, stands as the most recognized work by Maurice Duruflé, a French composer and organist whose output was defined by rigorous self-criticism. Born in 1902 in Louviers, he maintained a lifelong association with the organ, serving as the titular organist at St-Étienne-du-Mont in Paris for over five decades.
Early Education and Musical Formation
Duruflé attended the Rouen Cathedral Choir School from 1912 to 1918, where he gained exposure to the choral plainsong tradition. In 1920, he entered the Conservatoire de Paris, earning first prizes in organ, harmony, fugue, piano accompaniment, and composition. He studied under influential figures such as Paul Dukas and assisted Louis Vierne at Notre-Dame.
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He became the titular organist of St-Étienne-du-Mont in 1929, a post he held for the remainder of his life. From 1943 until 1970, he served as Professor of Harmony at the Conservatoire de Paris. His pupils included notable organists such as Pierre Cochereau, Jean Guillou, and Marie-Claire Alain. In 1939, he premiered the Organ Concerto by Francis Poulenc, having previously assisted the composer with registration advice.
Artistic Perfectionism
Duruflé was notably critical of his own music, frequently editing works after publication or refusing to program specific compositions, including the Toccata from his Suite op. 5. He published only a small body of work, ensuring each piece was polished. In 1959, his contributions to music were recognized with the Grand Prix du Disque.
Personal Life and Final Years
Duruflé married Marie-Madeleine Chevalier in 1953, and the pair toured extensively as an organ duo. His career and active performance life were curtailed by a severe car accident on 29 May 1975, which left both him and his wife injured. He remained largely confined to his apartment until his death in 1986 at a clinic in Louveciennes.
Fast facts
- Born: 1902, Louviers, France
- Died: 1986, Louveciennes, France
- Education: Conservatoire de Paris
- Notable Work: Requiem op. 9 (1947)
- Primary Instrument: Organ
- Awards: Grand Prix du Disque (1959)
- Legion d'honneur: Chevalier (1954), Officier (1966)
Questions readers ask
What was Maurice Duruflé's professional role at St-Étienne-du-Mont?
He served as the titular organist there from 1929 until the end of his life.
Which major composition is he most associated with?
He is best known for his Requiem op. 9, which he began in 1941 and completed in 1947.
Achievements
- Notable work: Requiem
- Instruments: organ
- Genres: classical music
