What a performance this is. It truly is one of the most sublime, peaceful, spiritual, and beautiful compositions I have heard. The heavenly soft opening speaks volumes of what this requiem will be like. The diction of the chorus is impeccable, but beyond this, their singing is perfectly balanced, and at times you feel as though they really are singing in complete unison without one flaw, which is impressive for a group of people. Heavenly sounds emit from the chorus. You can tell they were well prepared in this piece. Also, the chorus never drowns out the orchestra, which is an integral part of the polyphonic nature of the piece.
The recording quality of this requiem, as I always seem to say about Telarc, is top notch. The sound is warm, lush, has a great deal of presence and transparency, and full. You may have to kick up the volume a bit more than on other recordings, but that is no big deal when you get to hear the end result. Every detail is in this recording, from the very faint cellos backing up the female singers, the beautiful oboe solos, or full fleging sound of the orchestra and chorus. When they play together, it's magic and will literally provide goosebumps when the organ adds its part!
If you're a fan of requiem masses or just want something very soothing and uplifting to listen to buy this recording. My only request is this: really pay attention to all the details. Listen to the recording. Don't be doing other things while it's playing, but let is absorb your thoughts, and you may very well temporarily understand what inspiration is.
Also recommended: "Bluebird: Voices from Heaven"
Shaw gives a beautiful account of both of these works. I've heard many other versions of Fauré's Requiem, and with the only exception of the Naxos one (which by the way is based on the first version of the work itself) this recording remains my favourite! It's actually one of my favourite CDs in my collection!
Buy it, without any doubts you'll love it!
