Gabriel FaurA©, Maurice DuruflA©, Judith Blegen, James Morris - Faure Requiem Op.48 / Durufle Requiem Op.9

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 Amazon.com

Faure Requiem

A very professional performance.I used it to prepare for the performance of this number by our oratorial society. I wish we could do as well. May 10, 2007

The Faure is Great, Not so Much the Durufle

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. February 16, 2006

Fast and in a very good condition

Fast and in a very good condition January 15, 2006

French Choral Classics

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. November 30, 2005

5 stars for amost every review, what does that tell you?

I'm not going to tell you about the phenominal audio quality of this CD ($300 head phones work best) or the culmination of the incredible artistic performance of the late Robert Shaw (master extraordinaire). However, I will mention that if you are looking for deep soul searching composition's who's performances faithfully match the composers ideal interpretation of their vision of the here-after, this is your recording.

Faure & Durufle being the earliest predicessors of todays contemorary music, lay a foundation of perfection that few composers can build upon, and even fewer can surpass. Don't buy the latest recorded version of these Requiems, buy Robert Shaw's version. I guarantee you won't want another. Gary Dissette-Denver Colorado October 1, 2005

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