Faure: Requiem and Franck: Symphony in D Minor

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This CD presents Fauré's Requiem in the fully orchestrated version of 1901, though it's played on period instruments, so it seems much leaner than other recorded versions, such as Chung's on DG. This beautiful work has been accused of being too sentimental, and indeed, it is just that syrupiness that can make it appealing. But Herreweghe keeps the tempi on the quick side, while emphasizing some of the score's darker moments--the "Dies irae" in the "Libera me" is wonderfully grim--and it's very effective. The use of a harmonium instead of an organ (approved by Fauré) adds even more flavor to the already emphasized winds, and the singing, from soloists and chorus, is ideal. The Franck D Minor Symphony, a sort of grand bonus, is handsomely played, also on period instruments, which allow this sometimes overly orchestrated work to seem more transparent, more classical. The CD is recommended from start to finish. --Robert Levine

Tracks:

Bach: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Vivaldi: Largo Winter
Bach: Air On A G String
Torelli: Trumpet Concerto
Bach: Sheep May Safely Graze
Handel: Let The Bright Seraphim
Handel: Pastoral Symphony
Boccherini: String Quintet, Minuet
Mendelssohn: On Wings Of Song
Liszt: Dream Of Love
Rachmaninov: Vocalise
Debussy: Claire De Lune
Satie: Gymnopedie No.1
Gluck: Dance Of The Blessed Spirits
Debussy: Arabesque
Bizet: Intermezzo
Elgar: Salut D'amour
Debussy: Prelude A L'apres - Midi D'un Faun

Tracks:

Wagner: Bridal Chorus
Clarke: Trumpet Voluntary
Handel: Royal Fireworks Music, Overture
Gabrieli: Canzon V
Charpentier: Te Deum
Purcell: Trumpet Tune
Mussorgsky: Promenade
Pachebel: Canon In D
Handel: Larghetto
Vivaldi: Guitar Concerto In D Major, Largo
Handel: Water Music, Air
Macdowell: To A Wild Rose
Beethoven: Pathetique Sonata, Adagio
Melchior: Adagio
Gounod: Ave Maria
Schubert: Ave Maria
Franck: Panis Angelicus
Faure: Pie Jesu
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini
Schumann: Romance For Violin And Piano
Massenet: Meditation

Tracks:

Mendelssohn: Wedding March
Vivaldi: Concerto For Two Trumpets In B, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In D, Allegro
Vivaldi: Spring, Allegro
Telemann: Trumpet Concerto In B, Allegro
Handel: Concerto Grosso, Hornpipe
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No.4, Allegro
Handel: Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba
Schumann: Piano Quintet In E Flat Major
Widor: Toccata
Dubois: Toccata
Walton: Crown Imperial
Bach: Cantata No.51. 'Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen.' Alleluia
Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate, Alleluia
Handel: Water Music, Hornpipe
Chopin; Variations On A Theme From 'La Cenerentola'
Faure: Sicilienne
Offenbach: Barcarolle
Faure: Berceuse
Saint-Saens: The Swan
Brahms: Waltz In A Flat
Grieg: Wedding Day At Troldhaugen

Album Description

The process of choosing music for a wedding day can certainly be a daunting process for any couple. There are many choices and the questions can be endless. Traditional music or something off the beaten path? Will your Mom cry (and not in a good way) if you do not come down the aisle to the traditional Wedding March from Wagner, or are you eager to try something new? This collection is designed to give the bridal couple some key pointers to navigate the world of classical music for their wedding day. The package includes over 3 1/2 hours of music on 3 CDs for all portions of the wedding service, all from the Naxos classical label (known for high-quality recordings at inexpensive prices). Wedding day favorites are there, along with new discoveries and tunes you may have never considered for a wedding. All pieces are hand selected by professional wedding musicians and consultants. As a bonus, the 20 page booklet will lead you through the process of choosing music, from hiring musicians to sample programs. Everything you need to create your own unique personal wedding soundtrack.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT WEDDING MUSIC!.......2007-01-24

I used these CD's for my wedding, and I was so happy I did. You need to buy this CD if you like having a traditional wedding! :)

Good Music.......2006-07-05

I bought these CDs for my wedding, in ceremony and reception. Also, when I created my own wedding video, I used it as background music.

A very complete selection of ceremony music!.......2005-02-02

I am getting married in several months and we couldn't decide what music we wanted at our wedding ceremony. This three disk compilation reminded us of all the great ones- including new options we hadn't thought about. I really enjoyed hearing the organ and strings versions of the songs. If you're someone who hears a classical or baroque piece of music, but can't remember the name or the precise tune, this is a must-have to jog your memory and trigger the tear ducts!

Comprehensive Classical Selection.......2004-04-15

I searched all over for a CD set that had a somewhat comprehensive list of classical selections that are traditionally played at weddings. When I found this 3 CD set, I was very pleased. It contains 61 works from almost as many composers. This set might not contain the "best recording ever" of each of the selections, however it is very well done and the quality is very good. I used it primarily to choose the pieces that I wanted to have played by the church organist, and so the actual recordings were more for my consumption rather than for use in the ceremony/reception itself. However, I would not have hestitated to use the CD's in the wedding itself if needed. The book inside includes a list of suggested songs for various wedding styles (formal, outside, morning, etc.). From the classical neophyte to the seasoned classical music expert, this CD set will meet if not exceed expectations.

Just one note..........2003-06-07

I have not heard this album, so I cannot rate it as a whole. (The form made me include a rating, but disregard that.) However, I want to point out that track 36, the Pie Jesu from Gabriel Faure's Requiem is - well, from a requiem, a mass for the dead. The Pie Jesu is a lovely, gentle movement, and it has a beautiful and pure sound that does seem to fit the mood of a wedding. The Latin words, however, mean "Merciful Lord Jesus, grant them everlasting rest," where "them" refers to the dead.

Tracks:

Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Academy And Chorus Of St Martin In The Fields
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Zadok The Priest - Ambrosian Singers
Miserere Mei, Deus - Gerald Finley
Veni Creator Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Lacrimosa - London Philharmonic Choir
For Unto Us A Child Is Born - Ambrosian Singers
The Heavens Are Telling - John Shirley-Quirk
Panis Angelicus - Halle Choir
Ave Maria - Groupe Vocal De France
Ode To Joy - The Westminster Choir
Va, Pensiero - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Chorus Of Slave Girls - Chorus Of The National Theatre Of Sophia
Coro De Romanticos - Coro Cantores De Madrid
In Paradisum - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Totus Tuus - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Song For Athene - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Celebration - London Symphony Chorus
Jerusalem - Royal Choral Society

Tracks:

Zion Hort Die Wachter - South German Madrigal Choir
Pleni Sunt Coeli Et Terra - Charles Brett
Hallelujah Chorus - Ambrosian Singers
Thou Knowest, Lord - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Veni Sancte Spiritus - Choir Of The Monks Of The Benedictine Monastery Of Santo Domingo De Silos
Awake The Harp - City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Agnus Dei - Peter Barley
Cantique De Jean Racine - MONKS AND CHOIRBOYS OF DOWNSIDE ABBEY
Ave Verum Corpus - Schutz Consort
Begluckt Darf Nun Dich, O Heimat - Bavarian State Opera Chorus, Munich
Vedi! Le Fosche Notturne Spoglie - Chorus Of the Royal Opera House
Laudamus Te - Radio France Chorus
Chichester Psalms - Rachel Masters
The Lamb - Vasari Singers
Agnus Dei - Winchester Cathedral Choir
Requiem Aeternam - Choir Of Kings College, Cambridge
Dies Irae - Philharmonia Chorus
O Fortuna - London Philharmonic Choir
Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1 (Land Of Hope Glory) - Royal Choral Society

Customer Reviews:

I love it and I give it as a gift.......2006-12-11

This is the first collection of choral music that I've purchased and I love it. I own copies of operas and requiems and masses, but if you attend choral concerts, as I have been recently, you learn there is a huge colletion of choral music appart from the forms I've been listening to. I appreciate the producers selecting "Song for Athene" by Tavener and "Celebration (Standing Stone)" by McCartney. They are new to me and I love them. Disk 1 ends with "Jerusalem" and Disk 2 ends with "Land of Hope and Glory." As an American I rarely hear these and I am so glad they were included. I believe this album was intended to help popularize choral music and I believe the selections do fine job towards that end.

I know snobs rage against popularizing classical music, but everyone deserves exposure to the beauty of song. I will also mention here "The East Village Opera Company" because they work to popularize opera by setting it to a rock beat. They do a fine job but also get criticized for attempting to popularize classical music.

"The Best Choral Album in the World...Ever" was so popular with my teen-age daughter that it was hard to get it back from her. I give the album as a gift to nephews and nieces.

MarMSED.......2005-08-27

The music selections are extraordinary. The only problem has to do with the balance of sound. There are some parts that are very loud, and some that are so very soft. You have to continually adjust the volume.

Diverse range but the songs are butchered..........2005-07-24

Well, this CD isn't horrible by any stretch, but it is irritating to someone who's more than a casual listener of choral music. I'm by no means as musically "literate" as many reviewers out there, but I have a collection of probably twenty-five or thirty choral CD's and this is one that will probably be gathering dust in the back of the CD book.

The peices are well-performed for the most part, but they are hopelessly edited. Beethoven's Ode to Joy is somewhere around twenty four minutes, but this CD only includes an arrangement of about five minutes. The beautiful Miserere is, uncut, almost eleven minutes but is cut down to five and a half minutes here.

Looking back, I should have realized the major editing that would be involved, just by the sheer number of peices on it. I'm familiar with a great many of them and I know they're too long to fit onto a seventy minute disc without some major cutting going on. I just didn't reason that out before I shelled out the money for it.

Bottom line. This CD has decent singing, but is nothing special. If you're a newcomer to this genre, you might get this as a quick overview of the different types of choral music out there, but if you're any kind of an avid listener, this CD will drive you insane with the severity of the cuts. Beginners, if you're looking for a great collection CD, you'd do better to look at "Choral Moods". It doesn't have the diversity in styles of this one, but it will introduce you to incredibly talented composers. To the old hats out there, steer clear of this one and look to CD's by your preferred individual composers themselves. It's more money, but much less frustration in the long run. The old sayings are sometimes the best: You get what you pay for.

Average customer rating:

Two and a half hours of divine music...what more can I say?

Heavenly Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000DJZ7H
Release Date: 2003-11-04

Tracks:

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Karl Munchinger
Meditation - Nigel Kennedy
In Paradisum - Iwan Edwards
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Charles Dutoit
Flower Duet - Joan Sutherland
The Swan - Jascha Silberstein
Sleepers Awake - Raymond Agoult
Humming Chorus - Vienna State Opera Chorus
Nimrod - Sir Georg Solti
Walk To The Paradise Garden - Sir Charles Mackerras
Pavane, Op. 50 - Iwan Edwards
Panis Angelicus - Julian Lloyd Webber
Ombra Mai Fu (Largo) - Anthony Way
The Lark Ascending - Iona Brown

Tracks:

Clair De Lune - Pascal Roge
Sheep May Safely Graze - Karl Munchinger
Symphony No. 3 - Second Movement (Excerpt) - Joanna Kozlowska
Stabat Mater - Judith Raskin
Ave Maria - Julian Lloyd Weber
Adagio - Miklos Perenyi
Ave Verum Corpus, K618 - Peter White
Andante Molto Mosso: Scene By The Brook - Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt
Dance Of The Blessed Spirits - Karl Munchinger
Largo - Colin Davis
Wiegenlied (Lullaby), Op. 49 No. 4 - Marisa Robles
Adagio - Valery Gergiev
Air On A G string - Sir Neville Marriner

Customer Reviews:

Two and a half hours of divine music...what more can I say?.......2006-02-27

Well, a lot! And since no one else has taken the trouble to review my favorite Adagios collection, I'm just gonna hafta go an' do it myself, won't I?

Starting with the stunningly gorgeous 'Jesu, joy of man's desiring' by Bach, this tape reels you in instantly. I'm not much of a fan of 'slow' and 'peaceful' music; I like the beautiful, sublime type that just makes you tingle all over whenever you hear it. (If only Canon in D was in this tape my cup of joy would overflow) Anyway, don't stop listening because Delibes' 'Flower Duet' comes soon after and it is the very meaning of divine. I listen to the taoe just to hear that one song over and over--but not too much, or it'll loose it's touch. This is a Opera duet (sorry, don't know technical terms, my passion is music, not the science of) sung by two women, for those of you out there like me who know practically nothing!! Gorgeous! Sugoi!! (That's Japanese)

Ahem.
The lovely 'Ombra mai fu' (which, I believe Elizabeth Bennet's sister horribly sings in the BBC Pride and Prejudice miniseries) is another memorable piece (hear the previews of these titles, please) and finally, William Vaughan's 'The Lark Ascending' a sixteen minute piece of violin heaven played so expertly you will see larks flying in circles about your head--or is that because your noggen got whacked?

Well, as for the second CD, it wasn't quite as memorable, but it's up against perfection, ok? Brahms' 'lullaby' (yes, THAT lullaby) is really sweet and of course there's 'Claire de Lune', a favorite of the Adagios collection, besides 'Sheep may safely graze' and 'Air on a G string'. (Honestly, does EVERY Adagios collection have that one? It's not even that wonderful.)

But what am I going on and on for?
BUY IT!!!!

NOW!!!!

STOP THINKING ALREADY AND BUY IT!!!
=^-^=

Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ

Average customer rating:

A wonderful and varied compilation of Sacred Choral Works

Sacred Classics - Messiah, Ave Maria, Pie Jesu, Zadok the Priest, L'enfance du Christ
George Frideric Handel , Johann Sebastian Bach , Gabriel Fauré , Antonio Vivaldi , Charles Gounod , Johannes Brahms , Edward Elgar , Gioachino Rossini , Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart , Franz Schubert , Giuseppe Verdi , César Franck , Hector Berlioz , Franz Joseph Haydn , Felix Mendelssohn , Gregorio Allegri , Conservatory Concert Society Orchestra , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields , London Philharmonia Orchestra , Halle Orchestra , Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra , Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , Berlin Symphony Orchestra , Sir Charles Mackerras , Andre Cluytens , Riccardo Muti , David Willcocks , Philip Ledger , and Otto Klemperer
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Choral Masterpieces
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The #1 Choral Album
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ASIN: B000000UWF
Release Date: 2003-08-05

Tracks:

Hallelujah - Ambrosian Singers
I Know That My Redeemer Liveth - Ambrosian Singers
Pie Jesu - Victoria De Los Angeles
In Excelsis Deo - Teresa Berganza
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude - Choir Of King's College Cambridge
Ave Maria - Philip Ledger
Zadok The Priest - Coronation Anthem - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Wie Lieblich Sing Deine Wohnungen - Phiharmonia Chorus
Sanctus Fortis - Richard Lewis
Agnus Dei - Dame Janet Baker
Cujus Animam Gementem - Robert Gambill
Lacrimosa - New Philharmonia Orchestra
Ave Maria - Gerald Moore
Ingemisco - Confutatis - Dies Irae - New Philharmonia Chorus

Tracks:

Panis Angelicus - Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Herrscher Des Himmels, Erhore Das Lallen - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Ouverture - L'Adieu Des Bergers - Choeurs Rene Duclos
Libera Me Domine - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Ave Verum Corpus, K618 - Swedish Radio Chorus
Die HImmel Erzahlen Die Ehre Gottes - Jose Van Dam
Komm, Holder Lenz! - Chor Der Deutschen Oper Berlin
Lord God Of Abraham - New Philharmonia Chorus
And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth - New Philharmonia Chorus
Miserere Mei, Deus - Stephen Cleobury
Erbarme Dich, Sein Gott - Julia Hamari
O Haupt Voll Blut Und Wundern - Julia Hamari
Ich Folge Dir Gleichfalls - Lisa Otto
Ach Herr, Lass Dein Lieb' Engelein - Lisa Otto

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful and varied compilation of Sacred Choral Works.......2001-08-13

This is a 2 CD set and is one of my favorites. While this CD contains several pieces that the general public probably hears often (Handel's Messiah, Bach's Jesu Bleibet mein freund) it also contains some not well known pieces. Of particular quality is the recording of Gregorio Allegri's MISERE MEI DEUS, a piece composed at the end of the Renaissance era. This piece, lasting roughly 13 minutes, is a master stroke of pure choral music. The piece is repetitive but Allegri builds up to a fantastic ending. Also of note is the glorious recording of Mozart's AVE VERUM CORPUS, Hadyn's DIE SCHOPFUNG, and Brahm's EIN DEUTCHES REQUIEM. A MUST for any choral music fan.

Average customer rating:

Good, not great...

Choral Adagios

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002L2ZV4
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

Adagio - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Ave Verum Corpus, K618 - The Choir Of King's College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Ave Maria - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Pavane, Op.50 - Cheur De L'Orchestre Symphonique De Montreal, Iwan Edwards
Panis Angelicus - James Vivian
Orchestral Suite No.3 In D Major, BWV 1068 - London Voices, Terry Edwards
The Blue Bird - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Concierto De Aranjuez Adagio - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Easter Hymn - London Opera Chorus, Terry Edwards
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - London Voices, Terry Edwards
O Salutaris Hostia - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Simple Gifts - Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Jerold Ottley
Song For Athene - The Choir Of King's College - Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury
Humming Chorus - Wiener Staatsopernchor, Norbert Balatsch
Miserere - The Choir Of King's College - Cambridge, Stephen Cleobury

Tracks:

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Peter White
Crux Fidelis (After Ombra Mai Fu) - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
What Sweeter Music - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Adagio - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Shenandoah - Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Jerold Ottley
In Paradisum - Choeur De L'orchestre Symphonique De Montreal, Iwan Edwards
Notturno: Andante - Christopher van Kampen
Andantino Semplice - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Blessed Is The Man (All Night Vigil, Op. 37) - Choir Of New College - Oxford, Edward Higginbottom
Allegretto - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Andante - London Voices, Terry Edwards
Cantique De Jean Racine - Stephen Cleobury
Te Lucis Ante Terminum - Helen Turnstall
Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder - Hymnus-Chorknaben Stuttgart, Gerald Wilhelm

Customer Reviews:

Good, not great..........2007-01-03

It is a cut and paste job, and the overall result reflects that. Some of the pieces are rather good. Some are works that are not choral works, and do not lend themselves well to being morphed into a choral piece.

If you are looking for a musical experience, then pass on this one. If you are looking for pleasant music in the background that no one really listens too...then you may want to consider.

Average customer rating:

In Memory Of... Classics for Funerals

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006SGF1O
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Tracks:

Funeral March From Op.35 - BBC Philharmonic
Agnus Dei - Richard Hickox
Komm Susse Tod - BBC Philharmonic
Pie Jesu - Libby Crabtree
'Nimrod' - Alexander Gibson
'I Know That My Redeemer Liveth' - Joan Rodgers
Largo - Simon Standage
Pavane - BBC Philharmonic
Vocalise - Detroit Symphony Orchestra
'When I Am Laid In Earth' - Emma Kirby
'Meditation' - Yuri Torchinsky
Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte - Louis Lortie
Irish Tune - BBC Philharmonic
Adagio For Strings, Op.11 - Neeme Jarvi

Tracks:

Introitus - Choir Of Saint John's College
'Le Dernier Sommeil De La Vierge - BBC Philharmonic
Panis Angelicus - BBC Philharmonic
Adagietto - Neeme Jarvi
'Dead March' - BBC Philharmonic
'Ruht Wohl, Ihr Heiligen Gebeine' - Harry Christophers
Cantus-In Memory Of Benjamin Britten - Neeme Jarvi
Agnus Dei - City Of Birmingham Symphony Chorus
'Touch Her Soft Lips And Part' - Richard Hickox
'Death Of Ase' - Vernon Handley
'Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring' - Michael Austin
Sursum Corda, Op.11 - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
Marcia Funebre - Walter Weller

In Paradisum: Spiritual Classical Melodies

Average customer rating:

In Paradisum: Spiritual Classical Melodies

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Faure: Requiem and Franck: Symphony in D Minor

Average customer rating:

sublime
A Superb Interpretation
Well played, well directed, and well recorded!
Authentic death and resurrection

Faure: Requiem and Franck: Symphony in D Minor
Cesar Franck , Johannette Zomer , Stephan Genz , Philippe Herreweghe , Collegium Vocale , and Orchestre des Champs Elysees
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000631AI
Release Date: 2002-06-11

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This CD presents Fauré's Requiem in the fully orchestrated version of 1901, though it's played on period instruments, so it seems much leaner than other recorded versions, such as Chung's on DG. This beautiful work has been accused of being too sentimental, and indeed, it is just that syrupiness that can make it appealing. But Herreweghe keeps the tempi on the quick side, while emphasizing some of the score's darker moments--the "Dies irae" in the "Libera me" is wonderfully grim--and it's very effective. The use of a harmonium instead of an organ (approved by Fauré) adds even more flavor to the already emphasized winds, and the singing, from soloists and chorus, is ideal. The Franck D Minor Symphony, a sort of grand bonus, is handsomely played, also on period instruments, which allow this sometimes overly orchestrated work to seem more transparent, more classical. The CD is recommended from start to finish. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

sublime.......2005-06-28

Faure's Requiem is one my favorite requiems because of its note of optimism and beauty. This composition suggests that death is not a tragedy as much as a journey into beauty and life eternal. This has resulted in a requiem that is less dark than most (case in point, Mozart's brilliant but desperate requiem). Its note of peacefulness and unquencheable joy carries throughout the entire piece. Herreweghe's rendition is without doubt the most spectacular and beautiful rendering of this wonderful requiem that I have heard yet. The voices are pristine, capturing well a sense of the sublime, and the whole thing is a pleasure to listen to. I have listened to it countless times now and it still gives me chills, and still seems flawless to me. A must have for any classical music lover!

A Superb Interpretation.......2005-03-22

I like some classical music, though I am neither a musician nor am I very knowledgable about serious music criticism. I have always admired Faure's "Requiem" because of its sheer beauty though, and recently, more or less on a whim, I have listened to about a dozen different recordings of this work with as much care as I can muster, and have come up with some opinions about the many versions of the Requiem currently available.

While Herreweghe also has an earlier "chamber" version of the Requiem, which is also excellent, I would rate this "orchestral" version as the finest interpretation of the Requiem currently available on CD. I think so because of a)the superb recording (2002), b) the French choir; c) the lovely touches that this version possesses; for instance, the use of a harmonium rather than an organ for accompaniment; and d)the unknown but extremely effective soloists.

The sound is phenomenal, nearly beyond belief. Many fine recordings of the Requiem provide a sort of gorgeous sonic sludge that is pleasing to the ear, while providing few of the many subtle nuances of the score. This version finds the perfect balance between homogeniety and detail.

As well, many of the excellent English choir versions of the piece manage to communicate the delicacy of the piece without ever hinting at the Requiem's inherent sensuality. In this regard, Herreweghe finds the perfect balance between heaven and earth, between reverence and warmth.

As a general rule, I am of the opinion that the more famous the soloists, the less effective they are singing Faure's haunting and subtle melodies. Big names have a tendency to show off their voices or have a habit of wallowing in vibrato, calling more attention to themselves than to the music. Both soloists here provide beautiful vibrato-free singing that complements the ethereal nature of the piece.

While most critics consider the "chamber" version of the piece as the more legitimate and compelling of the two versions available on CD, this "orchestral" version by no means overpowers the singing. As a veteran of one "chamber" version already, Herreweghe is not only very familiar with the dynamics of the piece but he is also sensitive to the considerable demands that it makes on orchestral, choir and soloists. Nothing here is exaggerated or overblown. All of the elements of this interpretation contribute discretely to the beauty of the score. Yet, the interpretation is fresh enough that there is no mistaking its individuality or originality.

A lot of other worthy versions remain tied for second best. Most of these versions (by Best, Marlow, Rutter, Willcocks, and Dutoit) were recorded in the late eighties or very early nineties (or earlier still in the case of Willcocks), and simply can't compete with the recorded sound of Herreweghe's orchestral version. Best's interpretation is luscious and consistently excellent throughout; Marlow's version is the most intimate, and very persuasive as a result; Rutter's interpretation possesses an excellent choir and soloists, and Willcocks' version possesses a heavenly "Pie Jesu" by a boy soprano but is otherwise a tad too British sounding for its own good. Herreweghe's "chamber" version is the equal of any of these recordings, and more idiomatically French, to boot. And for a very atmospheric and serious "orchestral" alternative, one might consider Dutoit with the Montreal Symphony, as well.

But if you only plan to own one version, you should listen to Herreweghe's "orchestral" Requiem before making your decision.

Well played, well directed, and well recorded!.......2003-03-03

Although my music tastes focus more on chamber classical, this choral style has such strength that it projects from each listening experience, it has become part of my favorite routine. The quality of this recording is pristine, so you are not distracted by anything other than your own emotions as the music and vocalists pull you inside their world through to see the glory and fragility of everything around you. It is difficult to put into words the experience as you are wrapped with so many emotions, but you will receive new perspective on everything significant and otherwise.

Authentic death and resurrection.......2002-06-11

Making fun of the `authenticist' movement is still easy enough if you feel the need to, though performance standards are by now so high and so far removed from the struggling off-key trumpets and underpowered violins of the pioneering years that the most violent criticisms have died down long since. Still, who was it who wondered sarcastically how long it would be before we would have to put up with authentic Mahler and Stravinsky? Well, after Norrington tackling Brahms, Herreweghe has advanced as far as Fauré, so we should be getting there any time now! And I'll be the first to investigate the results. Actually I already heard Herreweghe conduct an authentically informed Bruckner 7th, which was a revelation to say the least. Every time I encounter another major 19th century masterpiece in `period performance', I get that feeling of looking up for the first time at the cleaned-up Sistine Chapel frescoes, stunningly bright and clear, after having been deluded for years into believing that all those dark umbers (and loincloths!) actually came from Michelangelo's palette.
I got that feeling over and over again while listening to this amazing recording. There is a clarity here, a transparency and architectural poise that is unmatched in any recording I know of the Requiem. The choir deserves at least as much of the credit as the orchestra, the `authentic-ness' of its singing recognisable in the very clear and sharp attack, perfect intonation and rhythmic precision. Yet there is all the power you could wish for as well, and no lack of feeling at all (nor in the orchestra, I should add). The difference is that it never keels over into the sentimental, as traditional performances too easily do.
Be warned though that another authenticist trait of this recording is the use of French pronunciation of the Latin text, which is what Fauré would have imagined. So you get `Zjésü' instead of `Jesou', and you will see a `lüx perpétüa' illuminating the dead rather than the more familiair `loux perpertoua'. It is somewhat unsettling at first, but I got used to it fairly quickly. There are a few drawbacks, inevitably, but they are minor ones. I wasn't totally convinced by the contribution of soprano Johanette Zomer (which is, her being Dutch like myself, a very unchauvinistic observation): to my ears she sounds a bit strained and tense in the Pie Jesu, with a very quick vibrato towards the end of each phrase that struck me as slightly mannered. Her performance is by no means unfeeling though, and her intonation is impeccable. Furthermore, I wonder why Herreweghe opted for a harmonium instead of an organ. Fauré approved the use of a large harmonium in case an organ wasn't available, but I would guess that when planning a recording it shouldn't be too hard to find a location that does have an organ. Apparently Herreweghe prefers the harmonium sound; if that is so, I beg to differ. There is something rickety about these rattling keys, that disturb the paradisal peace with weird percussive accents (if there are harmoniums in Heaven, which I hope not, they're surely well-oiled?). The wheezy, somewhat asthmatic sound has a comical effect at times (which I presume was not intended), again most disturbingly in the In Paradisum, which is made to sound almost frivolous.
But none of this makes this recording less worthwhile, and then there is the fill-up, which is certainly very generous: Franck's Symphony in D. If ever there was a piece of music that could do with some serious dusting, it is this. Under Herreweghe it finally sounds like something else than a lesser work by a very young Bruckner. I'm almost tempted to call it light-footed, not a word that springs to mind easily with Franck, and it definitely is very energetic and uplifting - though the Finale remains rather `much of a muchness'. The Symphony makes a surprisingly apt counterpart to the Requiem, belonging audibly to the same soundworld. The sombre opening for a moment tricks you into believing that Fauré has just thought up a new movement, plunging you back, as it were, into the darker regions of the Requiem. And then the clouds slowly lift and we are carried along towards the triumphant final bars of the Finale, so that it feels like getting the resurrection as a bonus after the funeral!

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The Very Best of Barbara Hendricks

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD