Customer Reviews

Fauré: Requiem, Op. 48; Pelléas et Mélisande, Suite, Op. 80; Pavane, Op. 50

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I can enthusiastically recommend this high quality production. First off the program includes Faure's two best large scale works (Op. 48 and Op. 80). The sound is outstanding. As an example the organ in Requiem is clearly heard even during periods of both choral and orchestral activity. Fine details in the orchestra are easily discerned. The singing in Requiem is also excellent although at times the Sherrill Milnes' vibrato is a bit 'wide' for my taste. Op. 80 is also beautifully played. Well worth the investment of your time and money.

I first encountered the Faure Requiem by singing it in high school. I enjoyed the experience, but had little to compare it to, musically or artistically. I have since then acquired a little more knowledge and perspective. Faure's vocal writing is subtle, melodic, and can be rapturous, as witnessed by his art songs (and I sang my share in college and afterward). The requiem has a quiet lyricism, as opposed to the works by Mozart, Berlioz or Verdi. I would like to think that maybe death is more in Faure's view than the angst of the other works. If I want to be swept away by overcharged emotionalism and dramatic writing for huge forces, I turn to the Verdi. It always makes me want to weep, for it conjures up Man's deepest fears and longings. The Faure is gentle, lulling, and breathtaking in its simplicity. It also makes me want to weep, for it suggests hope and peace. If you have never heard this work, you owe yourself this experience. If you know this work, this is a beautiful recording. I've been listening to it since its first release and have yet to tire of it.

The Faure Requiem is glorious and beautiful. This is a sensitive
performance from the orchestra, choir, Milnes, and Ti Kanawa.
The disc is worth having just for this work. The Pelleas et
Melisande Suite and Pavane are extra bonuses of Faure's
beautiful melodies.

I have listened to many recordings of Faure's Requiem, and this, sad to say, is not one of the best. The music is, of course, breathtaking, but under Charles Dutoit's direction the tempo drags dismally. The lilting ethereal quality of Faure's delicate harmonies is lost under Dutoit's heavy-handed and overly romantic interpretation. Ironically, much of the dramatic impact of the more passionate moments, such as Libera me, is also lost in a sea of bathos. The only selection which I found did justice to Faure was In Paradisum, which, while more emotive than the usual choir of angels, did have a glorious, heart-expanding climax. For a more authentic, and ultimately more moving, recording listen to the Choeurs et Orchestre National de Lyons, under Emmanuel Krivine. I am sure that Faure would have preferred it.

Having heard many performances of this piece, I have to differ with the reviewers here who say this performance "drags." Faure's Requiem is not a dramatic stage production like Verdi's, or a liturgical heavyweight like Mozart's. Faure's approach is entirely meditative and contemplative. You're supposed to float along with the gorgeous sounds. Dutoit sets up such a quiet continuity that the one major climax in the Requiem sounds overwhelming, even though it would be a quiet moment in the Verdi. Dutoit and Montreal recorded much of the Romantic and Contemporary French repertoire exceedingly well, and this is no exception. With a fine Pelleas et Melisande on the same disc, this is the one to own.

The Requiem AND the Pelleas et Melisande together make this one of my favorite CD's. THe music is haunting and beautiful, and the performances excellent.

When I read the other reviews, I can understand the perspective of those who say it drags a little. Still, musically, it's beautiful and Kiri Te Kanawa has a nice rich voice to fill the part. Faure wrote that he wanted sopranos who had known love to sing his Requiem. I think Kiri Te Kanawa satisfies that request. Sherill Milnes is the weak link I feel in this recording. Perhaps it was an off day for him. He certainly is capable. Still, what I love about this recording is how positively calm it is. No "doom and gloom" after death here.

It does tend to drag a bit; ironically, even a requiem mass should have a bit of life to it. And the balance between the instruments and singers needs adjustment-a bit muddy for my tastes.

However, the Pelleas part was quite satisfactory

the best recording of faure's requiem i've had the pleasure of hearing. many pieces i played during my wedding ceremony. the additional pieces are are stunning as well. Faure is a brilliant and unsung genius.