Durufle: Requiem – Choir & Organ

The Duruflé Requiem has always fallen somewhat in the shadow cast by Fauré’s masterly setting, yet in a performance as convincing and accomplished as the one presented on this recording it emerges as a powerful and moving setting of the Mass for the Dead. Both soloists are outstanding, and it is luxury casting indeed to have Robert Cohen accompany Sarah Connolly in the Pie Jesu. Sensitive accompaniment from Jeremy Filsell at the organ only adds to the pleasure of Backhouse’s reading. The Vasari Singers are superb throughout the Requiem as well as in Backhouse’s original choice of make-weights for the disc: Duruflé’s motets on Gregorian themes and music, and music by Duruflé’s contemporary Grunenwald. Highly recommended.

Philip Reed
Choir & Organ