Corydon Singers, English Chamber Orchestra, Matthew Best - Fauré & Duruflé: Requiem (1998)

This CD brings together previously issued recordings from separate discs of two of the best-loved settings of the Requiem. The Requiem Mass is the solemn liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church sung to honour the departed and to ask for rest for their immortal souls (the Latin word 'requiem' is best translated as 'rest'). There have been many settings over the centuries. Faur's is unquestionably one of the best loved and is indeed the composer's most popular work. Some of its melodies have even been used in TV commercials (for Volkswagen). Durufl's Requiem was clearly written in homage to Faur's serene masterpiece and exists in three versions. It is the composer's final revision of the work that is recorded here. The Faur recording is described as 'ethereally beautiful' in the Penguin Guide, and BBC Record Review said of the Durufl that it has 'a heavenly, visionary effect which is amazingly satisfying'. The two discs from which these recordings are taken remain available separately. Each contains more music by each composer (Faur: CDA66292; Durufl: CDA66191).