Track Listing

1. No. 1, Introitus et Kyrie
2. No. 2, Offertorium
3. No. 3, Sanctus
4. No. 4, Pie Jesu
5. No. 5, Agnus Dei
6. No. 6, Libera me
7. No. 7, In Paradisum
8. No. 1, Prelude
9. No. 2, Fileuse
10. No. 3, Sicilienne
11. No. 4, La mort de Melisande

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #46512 in Music
• Released on: 1990-10-25
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.com
A fine French touch is evident in this collaboration between the Swiss- born conductor Charles Dutoit and his Canadian orchestra. They give a highly polished performance of the standard Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, a reading both suave and supple that is characterized throughout by a remarkable beauty of sound. Emphasizing the idyllic aspect of Fauré's conception, Dutoit is at his best in the suite's inner movements. The recording is ideally atmospheric and well detailed, and, combined with Fauré's Requiem, is the preferred one. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews

Excellent program
I can enthusiastically recommend this high quality production. First off the program includes Faure's two best large scale works (Op. 48 and Op. 80). The sound is outstanding. As an example the organ in Requiem is clearly heard even during periods of both choral and orchestral activity. Fine details in the orchestra are easily discerned. The singing in Requiem is also excellent although at times the Sherrill Milnes' vibrato is a bit 'wide' for my taste. Op. 80 is also beautifully played. Well worth the investment of your time and money.

This is a beautiful CD
The Faure Requiem is glorious and beautiful. This is a sensitive
performance from the orchestra, choir, Milnes, and Ti Kanawa.
The disc is worth having just for this work. The Pelleas et
Melisande Suite and Pavane are extra bonuses of Faure's
beautiful melodies.

In Paradisum
I first encountered the Faure Requiem by singing it in high school. I enjoyed the experience, but had little to compare it to, musically or artistically. I have since then acquired a little more knowledge and perspective. Faure's vocal writing is subtle, melodic, and can be rapturous, as witnessed by his art songs (and I sang my share in college and afterward). The requiem has a quiet lyricism, as opposed to the works by Mozart, Berlioz or Verdi. I would like to think that maybe death is more in Faure's view than the angst of the other works. If I want to be swept away by overcharged emotionalism and dramatic writing for huge forces, I turn to the Verdi. It always makes me want to weep, for it conjures up Man's deepest fears and longings. The Faure is gentle, lulling, and breathtaking in its simplicity. It also makes me want to weep, for it suggests hope and peace. If you have never heard this work, you owe yourself this experience. If you know this work, this is a beautiful recording. I've been listening to it since its first release and have yet to tire of it.