Search - Gabriel Faure, Camille Saint-Saens, Claude Debussy :: Faure: Requiem / Bott, Cachemaille; Gardiner

Faure: Requiem / Bott, Cachemaille; Gardiner
Gabriel Faure, Camille Saint-Saens, Claude Debussy
Faure: Requiem / Bott, Cachemaille; Gardiner
Genres: Folk, Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (18) - Disc #1

This generously programmed disc provides excellent value and outstanding performances of both major and lesser-known masterpieces of French choral music. The Fauré Requiem has been recorded many times, and several e...  more »

     
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This generously programmed disc provides excellent value and outstanding performances of both major and lesser-known masterpieces of French choral music. The Fauré Requiem has been recorded many times, and several excellent versions of the original orchestration are available on disc. This one is among them, owing to John Eliot Gardiner's experience and perfectionist mastery of details overlooked by less-successful choral conductors. The real bonus here is the inclusion of the popular but very difficult Debussy and Ravel chansons, and the rarely heard but eminently worthy little part songs by Saint-Saëns. These pieces are a lesson in how to achieve maximum effect with the simplest materials. -- David Vernier
 

CD Reviews

The Best rendition of this work... HAND'S DOWN!!!
Mark Preece | Edmonton, Alberta Canada | 04/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording by Sir John Eliot Gardiner, is by far the best recording of this work available, and for various reasons.
1) The original orchestration of the Requiem, with full sections of Violas Cellos and Basses, but with only 1 solo violin; making the strings maintain an extra dark sound that is really invegorating.
2) The practically perfect performance of the Montiverdi Choir - arguably one of THE finest choirs in the world. Perfect balance, blend in all senses of the work.
3) Magnificent soloists capturing the very essence of what Faure was trying to accomplish - Notably the performance of Cathrine Bott in the Pie Jesu. Sweet, angelic, with NOT A LOT OF VIBRATO - which for some sopranos it is almost insulting for them to tone down the vibrato, as if to interfear with their virtuosity... Bott sings this with extreme delicacy, and in perfect context with the rest of the work, encapsulating the Requiem as it was ment to be.These 3 qualities in the same recording is first of all extremely rare, and secondly it brings forth Faure in a completely new context.This is truely a magnificent recording of Faure's Requiem, with all the velvety textures presented as smooth as milk choclate! A true model to our artform."
Marvelous!
Jeannette Okinczyc | Washington State, USA | 04/04/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't think I've ever owned any piece of music quite so beautiful as the ones included on this cd... Gardiner's expertise and control keeps the nuances of this music just at the point where it nearly breaks your heart. Quite a large volume range on this one -- adds to the natural beauty of the music. Sometimes a soft breeze, other times a windstorm. Marvelous."
Gardiner surprises again
Caterina Sforza | Brooklyn, NY | 02/27/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Perhaps we should just stop being surprised by John Eliot Gardiner, and begin to consider that perhaps there is no music, of any period, forces, or nationality, that cannot benefit from his transparent, lucid approach."