Requiem/Requiem

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Composer : Gabriel Faure
Composer : Maurice Durufle
Conductor : Robert Shaw
Orchestra : Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
Performer : Judith Blegen
Performer : James Morris

Product Details

Binding : Audio CD
EAN : 0089408013522
Label : Telarc
Number of Discs : 1
Product Group : Music
Release Date : 2008-03-17
Running Time : 74minutes
UPC : 089408013522

ASIN : B000003CU2

Track Listings for

Disc-1
1. Requiem, Op.48: Introit & Kyrie
2. Requiem, Op.48: Offertory
3. Requiem, Op.48: Sanctus
4. Requiem, Op.48: Pie Jesu
5. Requiem, Op.48: Agnus Dei
6. Requiem, Op.48: Libera me
7. Requiem, Op.48: In Paradisum
8. Requiem, Op.9: Introit
9. Requiem, Op.9: Kyrie
10. Requiem, Op.9: Domine Jesu Christe
11. Requiem, Op.9: Sanctus
12. Requiem, Op.9: Pie Jesu
13. Requiem, Op.9: Agnus Dei
14. Requiem, Op.9: Lux aeterna
15. Requiem, Op.9: Libera me
16. Requiem, Op.9: In Paradisum

Editorial Reviews

From Amazon.com

The chorus is at center of Shaw's reading of the score, presumably the more lightly scored 1893 version that Fauré, himself created (Telarc does not specify). The account flows very well, and the work of both soloists is highly satisfying, particularly Judith Blegen's airy soprano in Pie Jesu. The recording dates from 1985-86 and is one of Telarc's best, with excellent presence overall and real bass in the organ. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews

Amazing! (2004-06-17)

Of all the CDs I have, this is my favorite. The Faure and Durufle Requiems are two of the most beautiful pieces of choral music ever written.

The Faure requiem's beautiful, lyric lines are played amazingly by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: The Kyrie and Agnus Dei are especially nice, with slow, flowing melodies. The voices compliment the orchestra perfectly. The violin on the Sanctus is a bit schmaltzy, but the soloist plays it very well.

Even more amazing than the Faure requiem is the Durufle. Much of this requiem is based on Gregorian chants, and it has a quiet, contemplative sound that is very powerful and moving. Because so much of the requiem is quiet, the dynamic contrasts in this piece are very dramatic: the climax of the Sanctus is perhaps the most beautiful moment in the history of music. Turn up the volume and let this Sanctus blow you away! This is the music I want at my funeral.

Breathtaking! (2003-11-28)

It's hard to put into words exactly how this CD makes me feel. I'm a fan choral music in general, and Gabriel Faure in particular, so hearing his requiem was an utterly joyful experience for me. I was pleasantly surprised to find Maurice Durufle's requiem just as beautiful as Faure's. Each work has its own charm and appeal, but both are incredibly uplifting. When I hear "In Paradisum" from Faure's requiem, it doesn't so much make me less afraid of death as it makes me want to know what Faure was thinking/feeling/seeing when he wrote such an exquisitely gentle and comforting piece of music. Likewise, "Agnus Dei" from Durufle's requiem enchants to the point that one forgets this is meant to be funerary music. Both works are brought to life here by incredibly gifted vocalists and the excellent conducting of the legendary Robert Shaw. This has rarely left my CD player in the last 3 months. Highly recommended!

Also recommended: "Bluebird: Voices from Heaven"

The real gem here is Durufle's Requiem (2003-07-28)

As I am not a fan of Faure's Requiem, I am going to limit my comments and overall review of the CD to Durufle's Requiem.

What a performance this is. It truly is one of the most sublime, peaceful, spiritual, and beautiful compositions I have heard. The heavenly soft opening speaks volumes of what this requiem will be like. The diction of the chorus is impeccable, but beyond this, their singing is perfectly balanced, and at times you feel as though they really are singing in complete unison without one flaw, which is impressive for a group of people. Heavenly sounds emit from the chorus. You can tell they were well prepared in this piece. Also, the chorus never drowns out the orchestra, which is an integral part of the polyphonic nature of the piece.

The recording quality of this requiem, as I always seem to say about Telarc, is top notch. The sound is warm, lush, has a great deal of presence and transparency, and full. You may have to kick up the volume a bit more than on other recordings, but that is no big deal when you get to hear the end result. Every detail is in this recording, from the very faint cellos backing up the female singers, the beautiful oboe solos, or full fleging sound of the orchestra and chorus. When they play together, it's magic and will literally provide goosebumps when the organ adds its part!

If you're a fan of requiem masses or just want something very soothing and uplifting to listen to buy this recording. My only request is this: really pay attention to all the details. Listen to the recording. Don't be doing other things while it's playing, but let is absorb your thoughts, and you may very well temporarily understand what inspiration is.

Glorious music!!! (2003-06-20)

I've owned and listened to this recording of Fauré and Duruflé's Requiems for the past ten years, and it's always been a joy to listen to! The beauty of both of these works is unquestionable. Both of these Requiems share a common sense of peace that no other Requiem has. No eternal anger or punishment in here at all!

Shaw gives a beautiful account of both of these works. I've heard many other versions of Fauré's Requiem, and with the only exception of the Naxos one (which by the way is based on the first version of the work itself) this recording remains my favourite! It's actually one of my favourite CDs in my collection!

Buy it, without any doubts you'll love it!

A dichotomy (2003-05-24)

I am an unabashed preacher of the Shaw choral doctrine. Even though I was never a music student, I have always been a student of music, in particular choral music. And in my humble opinion, few have interpreted such wide ranges of choral music better than the late Mr. Shaw. However, I find that in this particular recording of two of the finest settings of the Requiem text that the Faure lacks, while the Durufle soars. I have sung the Faure, and still find that Shaw's reading was just that - a reading. No real emotion derived from the music. The Durufle, on the other hand, is ethereal and inspiring. Powerful and beautiful. The chorus understands the use of overtones and the simple complexity of Durufle's music. Usually, if I have the CD in my player I skip the Faure and go staight to the Durufle. I do have other recordings of both Requiems, and find Shaw's Durufle the definitive recording. He UNDERSTOOD Durufle. However, for an excellent Faure Requiem I'd recommend either the John Rutter and Cambridge Singers (Collegium) or Charles Dutiot and the Montreal Symphony (London).

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