Faure Requiem Op.48 / Durufle Requiem Op.9

Gabriel Fauré (Artist), Maurice Duruflé (Artist), Judith Blegen (Artist), James Morris (Artist), Robert Shaw (Conductor), Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
• Conductor: Robert Shaw
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B000003CU2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,443 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #6 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Early Music > Forms & Genres > Requiems
  • #10 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Early Music > Sacred & Religious
  • #10 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Early Music > Vocal & Song

Editorial Reviews

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars French Choral Classics, November 30, 2005

By 

Brett A. Kniess (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Faure Requiem Op.48 / Durufle Requiem Op.9 (Audio CD)

This disk has set the standard for performing the settings of the Requiem mass by two great French masters, Gabriel Faure and Maurice Durufle. The Faure setting is an intimate one with occasional moments of tempestuousness. This particular recording features the more heavily orchestrated edition (for an excellent chamber version see the Cambridge Singers under John Rutter). Put in seven parts, additional features include two baritone solos and a lovely soprano solo. The choral parts are not difficult, but require a delicate touch with great articulation, all provided here. The harmonies gently shift with occasional color changes and chromatic mediant relationships. The concluding movement (In Paradisum) sums up the experience with a satisfying contemplative moment devoid of bombasticity. A masterwork not to be missed.

The Durufle Requiem is a horse of a different color. The rhythms and harmonies are not so classically straight-forward like the Faure; far from it. Not only do the rhythms constantly shift, the melodies aren't classically structured, but instead, quote and are reminiscent of chant, making the rhythmic changes seem natural. The harmonic setting is heavily steeped in church modes, but Durufle's lush orchestrations make this anything but old-fashioned. Much more thickly textured, Durufle doesn't fear to leap into occasional revelry and joyousness; Durufle has a knack for timing his climaxes just right, more moments of exuberance than Faure exhibited. This edition is the fully orchestrated version, and while there is a nice organ accompaniment edition, I much prefer the grandeur of the orchestra. Robert Shaw chooses not to have soloists, but instead have the choir parts sing the solos. This version is still highly exciting and lacks nowhere (unless you want soloists). You might want to choose to have an all Durufle choral CD (Michael Plasson in EMI classics is a good choice), but this pairing of two classics is an equally fine program.

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus have not put out such a successful CD as in this 1987 digital Telarc classic. The sound is full and virile, the heightened sense of drama is apparent and can't be beat by any other recording, certainly not by another American choir. Nearly two decades after its release, this still remains the standard.

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Durufle at His Finest, March 21, 2001

By 

Brook Boddie (Shreveport, LA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Faure Requiem Op.48 / Durufle Requiem Op.9 (Audio CD)

This recording of the Faure and Durufle Requiems has single handedly served to wear out the speakers of my stereo system! The Atlanta Symphony and Chorus are at their finest on both settings, but the Durufle stands out as being exquisite. Those unfamiliar with this great work should purchase this CD in order to experience a first rate recording of this choral masterpiece. The Atlanta musicians have done a magnificent job of blending voices, instruments, and organ into a nearly-perfect masterpiece of sacred music. If you are fortunate enough to listen to this work on a high-quality stereo system that properly translates the intensity of the pedal division of the organ, you know what I mean when I say that listening to this work is a moving experience. Of particular delight in the Durufle setting are the Sanctus and In Paradiso movements. This recording should serve to become the staple by which all other recordings of these works are compared. It is a must have for any lover of sacred choral music.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Faure is Great, Not so Much the Durufle, February 15, 2006

By 

Jack D. McNamara (Walnut Creek, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Faure Requiem Op.48 / Durufle Requiem Op.9 (Audio CD)

The Faure Requiem (Op. 48) in D minor is a soft, gentle requiem unlike the powerful Verdi, Berlioz, and Durufle. The delicate qualities of this requiem are captured beautifully on this recording.

The Durufle Requiem (Op. 9) is one of my most favorite compositions of all time and it is not performed well on this disc for one reason: the solos are sung by the choir and that is not what I want to hear when I want to hear Durufle's requiem. Piquemal's version is still my favorite and I recommend that over this one.