Fauré Choral Works
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Gabriel Fauré
Genre:
Vocal
Label: EMI
Magazine Review Date: 7/1993
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 42
Mastering:
ADD
Catalogue Number: 764715-2
Tracks:
| Composition | Artist Credit |
|---|---|
| Requiem |
Gabriel Fauré, Composer
David Willcocks, Conductor Gabriel Fauré, Composer John Carol Case, Baritone King's College Choir, Cambridge New Philharmonia Orchestra Robert Chilcott, Treble/boy soprano |
| Pavane |
Gabriel Fauré, Composer
David Willcocks, Conductor Gabriel Fauré, Composer New Philharmonia Orchestra |
Author:
This is the Faure Requiem to come home to. Its original reviewer in Gramophone was Alec Robertson, who declared that it had provided him with a very rare professional experience, the chance ''to describe a recording as near as can be to absolute perfection from start to finish''. A quarter of a century has passed, and the catalogue now has 25 other recordings currently available: many are fine, but this one has still not been overtaken on its own ground. The textual dimension of course is new since then, and if an earlier version of the score is wanted, the smaller orchestra being in some ways preferable, then the recording by King's under Cleobury (EMI) or the Cambridge Singers under the text's editor, John Rutter (Collegium) might be tried instead. But for what we used to mean by the Faure Requiem in days when ignorance (of textual complications) was bliss, then this is still the best.
Willcocks neither sentimentalizes nor hurries; the choir (especially in respect of its tenors) is on top form; Robert Chilcott sings the Pie Jesu with the most touchingly beautiful purity and control, and John Carol Case brings to his solos a style that exactly matches that of the famous choir. If anything, time has enhanced appreciation, for the recorded sound compares so favourably, giving due prominence to the choir and obtaining an immediacy of sound that these days is exceptional. The only matter for regret is that the Pavane was not performed in its choral version, but as it is such an exquisite composition in either form the regret is short lived.'
Willcocks neither sentimentalizes nor hurries; the choir (especially in respect of its tenors) is on top form; Robert Chilcott sings the Pie Jesu with the most touchingly beautiful purity and control, and John Carol Case brings to his solos a style that exactly matches that of the famous choir. If anything, time has enhanced appreciation, for the recorded sound compares so favourably, giving due prominence to the choir and obtaining an immediacy of sound that these days is exceptional. The only matter for regret is that the Pavane was not performed in its choral version, but as it is such an exquisite composition in either form the regret is short lived.'
Fauré Choral Works
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