Faure: Requiem / Franck: Symphony in D Minor

Faure: Requiem / Franck: Symphony in D Minor

This CD presents FaurÃ©'s Requiem in the fully orchestrated version of 1901, though it's played on period instruments, so it seems much leaner than other recorded versions, such as Chung's on DG. This beautiful work has been accused of being too sentimental, and indeed, it is just that syrupiness that can make it appealing. But Herreweghe keeps the tempi on the quick side, while emphasizing some of the score's darker moments--the "Dies irae" in the "Libera me" is wonderfully grim--and it's very effective. The use of a harmonium instead of an organ (approved by FaurÃ©) adds even more flavor to the already emphasized winds, and the singing, from soloists and chorus, is ideal. The Franck D Minor Symphony, a sort of grand bonus, is handsomely played, also on period instruments, which allow this sometimes overly orchestrated work to seem more transparent, more classical. The CD is recommended from start to finish. --Robert Levine
Country USA
Brand HARMONIA MUNDI
Manufacturer HARMONIA MUNDI
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber HMC901771
Model HMC901771
ReleaseDate 2002-06-01
UnitCount 1
Format Import
UPCs 794881669820
EANs 0794881669820

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