Faure: Requiem and other choral music

Gabriel Faure (Composer), John Rutter (Conductor), Members of the London Sinfonia (Orchestra), John Scott (Performer), Caroline Ashton (Performer), Ruth Holton (Performer), Nicola-Jane Kemp (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: John Scott, Caroline Ashton, Ruth Holton, Nicola-Jane Kemp
• Orchestra: Members of the London Sinfonia
• Conductor: John Rutter
• Composer: Gabriel Faure
• Audio CD (February 29, 2000)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Collegium
• ASIN: B0000031HB
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #111,165 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

John Rutter's groundbreaking research and subsequent performing edition of Fauré's beloved Requiem has enabled us to hear the work as the composer originally intended. His first version of the piece included only a chamber orchestra with lower strings, harp, timpani, and organ. Four years later, Fauré added two movements and slightly expanded the orchestration. This is the version that Rutter and his inimitable Cambridge Singers perform here-- and it's a glorious revelation, especially if the only Fauré Requiem you've heard is that for full orchestra, which the composer himself neither created nor approved. Rutter and his singers give us a wonderfully sumptuous yet detailed performance that benefits tremendously from the newly realized clarity of inner lines and from the richly colored orchestral textures. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting, beautiful, & peaceful, May 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Faure: Requiem and other choral music (Audio CD)

Gabriel Faure is hardly among the best known classical composers in the world, but this album makes a strong argument as to why he should be. John Rutter & the Cambridge singers never disappoint, and Faure's "Cantique de Jean Racine" and "Requiem" are magnificent, haunting, & peaceful. A must have for any lover of choral music or anyone just "browsing", looking for something different.

59 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars bright requiem, June 18, 2000

By 

J. C. Woods "silvannus" (Malden, MA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Faure: Requiem and other choral music (Audio CD)

This CD is a revelation. Between the subject matter and the genuinely somber music, Faure's Requiem is often recorded as in a gloom. Darkness is made to make do for profundity and melancholy for reflection. In this version, there is no lack of sadness, but also no lack of soaring voices declaring a deeper belief in a life beyond death. This Requiem is bright, not gloomy, filled with the sunshine of faith. I can not help thinking this is what Faure must have meant by the piece, and if not, it is what he should have meant.

34 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Requiem- a masterpiece., April 20, 2002

By 

Lilly (13 yrs) (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Faure: Requiem and other choral music (Audio CD)

This exquisite collection has so many gorgeous songs that move me to tears. In Sanctus, the violin is so pure, so beautiful, its wrings my heart. This is real music, real art, crafted with such care, that it is a true privilege to hear it, not to mention sing it (which I have done, and I loved it). It is an encredible CD, and I would encourage anyone to buy it.
Lilly