Review by Luukas January 31, 2015 (3 of 5 found this review helpful)
|
|
This is my first SACD of this work. I was impressed when I heard this at the first time. These performances are recorded at Kings College Chapel, Cambridge. Its glorious acoustics really works with these works. It brings its own natural addition to music. Cleobury has long relationship with Kings College Choir, and he leads his forces to the exciting adventure.
Faurè's "Requiem" is my personal favorite - its beauty is touching. This is reconstruction of the first version, so the orchestration is quite different than later versions. First movement, "Requiem aeternam", is powerful here. French horns sound is loudly, and main theme, "Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison", is moving. Second movement, "Hostias et preces", is different: there aren't chorus' parts, only the baritone's middle part. Gerald Finley is excellent singer! 5.0 multi-channel mix is outstanding: I hear Finley's voice ONLY from the main speaker! Stunning experience! In third movement, "Sanctus", Cleobury reaches its heavenly feeling very well. The angelic solo violin - which is played one octave higher - benefits chorus' beautiful tone. The following movements - "Agnus Dei" and "Libera me" - are also very good. "In Paradisum" is lovely and sweet. I can almost see the angels choir when I close my eyes!
BBC Music Magazine taked five stars and this got also "Disc of the Month" prize. If you like choral music, you cannot miss this! Highly recommend! Overall results: • Performance: ***** • Recording: ****1/2 (Stereo), ***** (Multi-channel) • Packaging: *****
|
Was this review helpful to you?
yes |
no
|
|