Faure Requiem Op.48 / Durufle Requiem Op.9 | Robert Shaw, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus |...

Faure Requiem Op.48 / Durufle Requiem Op.9 | Robert Shaw, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus | Easily the best large setting recording of Duruflé Requiem

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Faure Requiem Op.4...

	Faure Requiem Op.48 / Durufle Requiem Op.9 Robert Shaw, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Chorus Telarc, 1990 average customer review:based on 25 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Durufle at His Finest

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.

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Easily the best large setting recording of Duruflé Requiem

I have always been a big Duruflé fan and this is the best large setting (w/orchestra and organ as opposed to just organ) of his Requiem. The entire recording is first rate, with tremendous range - including formidable but quiet pipe organ notes. Two movements in particular stand out:

1. The Sanctus is beyond compare, building to a magnificent climax. This recording makes all others look hurried and unrefined. Telarc did a wonderful job on this recording - full power with absolutely no distortion. Everything is crystal clear and fully detailed.

2. The concluding movement "In Paradisum" is a sublime, peaceful combination of choir and organ.

Also, the Fauré Requiem is first rate, particularly Judith Belgen's Pie Jesu.

I own several recordings of these pieces and this is simply the best.

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Shaw and Atlanta are in top form

There are hundreds of versions and recordings of this two works that are often linked together. However, this recording by Robert Shaw completely blows the field away. Telarc did a fabulous job of recording this performance; the disc sounds spectacular. The soloist are also very good. However, this disc is led by the chorus. Only in a few other discs have I heard a choir sound so full. The chorus is energized in places where it needs to be, and austere in the quiet sections. This CD is amazing and is highly recommended.

The finest Robert Shaw recording ever

I heard the premiere radio broadcast of this recording on Atlanta's classsical radio station right before the CD was released. I listened rapturously to it, and thought I was hearing it live--not recorded. The technical qualities of the recording have never been surpassed by the Atlanta Symphony, except for their Rachmaninov Vespers.

The soloists, particularly Judith Blegen, are in superb voice and convey the most serene and emotional singing I've heard in any sacred music. The Atlanta Symphony is in top form as an ensemble and the placement of the organ is perfect.

You will not find a more beautiful requiem than that of Monsieur Faure's. The Durufle is also beautiful and a perfect partner to the Faure.

Enjoy!!

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Faure's Requiem Op 48 - New Insights

Faure's approach to the requiem, as an ancient liturgical work, is refreshing in that it seeks to soothe, heal and refresh one's innermost thoughts and feelings about death. To me this work is a far cry from the traditional requiem, which seemed to center itself on the themes of mourning (as was symbolized by the liturgical color of black), supplication, judgment, forgiveness or punishment.

Robert Shaw, once again, weaves a magic spell with his interpretation of this great work, not only on the chorale level, but on the orchestral level as well. Under his baton, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform superbly with great sensitivity and warmth. Judith Blegen and James Morris's performances are, for lack of a better word, brilliant.

It is hard to believe that this recording was made fourteen years ago. In my estimation, the technology used is every bit as good as what is available today.

I am grateful to Gabriel Urbain Faure for exposing me to another side of the requiem that I have hereto for not known. I am also humbly grateful to Shaw, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Blegen and Morris for the performance of a lifetime.

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reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, page 5

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