His Requiem for SATB mixed choir, Soprano, Tenor and Bass soloists, Flute, Oboe, Trumpet, Harp, Glockenspiel, Timpani, contains:
01. Requiem Aeternum 6:20
02. Kyrie Eleison 5:25
03. Domine Jesu Christe 6:47
04. Sanctus 3:15
05. Pie Jesu 3:41
06. Agnus Dei 5:10
07. Lux Aeterna 3:26
08. Libera me, Domine 4:51
09. In Paradisum 6:35
Anyone hearing this disc would have to admit that it's still possible to write highly effective music in a tonal, late romantic idiom. Gallic elements are much in evidence here, but that's not surprising considering the composer is also one of today's finest organists noted for his brilliant interpretation of 19th and 20th century French organ music. His recreations of the stunning improvisations done by Pierre Cochereau at Notre Dame are legendary; and, as he points out in his album notes, which you must read, these flights of fancy greatly influenced his requiem.
It's a truly sublime effort that has much in common with those of Faure and Durufle. As a matter of fact, there's a reference in the Domine Jesu Christe (track-3, begining at 01:42) to a phrase in the same section of the Durufle. While the Pie Jesu may call to mind that in Andrew Lloyd Weber's requiem, there's just the right mixture of bitter and sweet to insure that unlike the latter it doesn't become cloying with repeated listening, and that's just what you'll want to do! The Libera me, Domine is to die for and the concluding In paradisum, infinitely sublime. Chances are you don't know the fifteen member vocal ensemble Euphony, but after you hear what they bring to this piece you're not likely to forget them. The instrumental accompaniment, which consists of organ and only a handful of solo instruments, is some of the most articulate and highly effective one could ever hope for. That's because Briggs is not only a master of organ registration, but also a consummate orchestrator.