Clive Peacock offers his review of the performance of Durufle's Requiem by Coventry Cathedral choir on Sunday, November 1.

To celebrate All Souls day - a day to remember and pray for lost friends and family members - Coventry Cathedral marked the event with a performance of extracts from Duruflé's Requiem and a communion service.

The vastness of the Cathedral was fully exposed as only a minimal number of chairs were allowed in the nave at this time. From Thursday, the building will remain open for private prayer.

Work will continue on the the £3.5 million Pavilion annex, inspired by Sir Basil Spence's proposals for an extended education space. Hopefully, these new facilities will be open by May 2021, in time for the beginning of Coventry's year as City of Culture.

With the Graham Sutherland tapestry keeping an ever-watchful eye over proceedings, organist, Paul Leddington Wright took the opportunity to explore the Gregorian chants on which the Duruflé symphonic poem, first published in 1947, is based.

Rachel Mahon, a very capable Toronto import, led the choirs and directed the three strong trumpeters and timpanist.

Cellist, Sara Lane Rees, made her telling contribution when accompanying the solo voice in Pie Jesu, the fifth of Duruflé's nine movements.

Organist and choir began with an exhilarating performance of the opening movements, Introit and Kyrie eleison. Trumpeters and timpanist were soon employed in an equally cheerful version of the Offertory (Domine Jesu Christe).

It is hard to describe the sensation of the organ excelling and the brilliant, high-pitched effects of trumpeters.

Suffice to say, the occasion was a super experience, lifting spirits, before we enter period of lockdown. Hearing treble voices once again was delightful.