Search - Gabriel Faure, Francis Poulenc, Orchestra of St Luke's :: Fauré: Requiem; Poulenc: Concerto in G minor

Fauré and Poulenc In St. Thomas Church Ambience

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 10/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The very popular and much recorded Fauré 'Requiem' is most often presented either in the concert hall or in church and cathedral settings as a work for mixed chorus, soloists, and orchestra. In this fine recording made in St Thomas Church the work is performed by the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys and there is an ethereal lyricism and innocence to this interpretation. 'Pie Jesu' is sung by boy sopranos and the sound is haunting. The impeccable soloists are Christopher Trueblood and Brian P. Harlow. Gerre Hancock conducts the Orchestra of St' Luke's and this choir, favoring slower tempi that allow the reverberation of the church to work its magic.



Included on this recording is Poulenc's 'Concerto in G minor for Organ, Strings and Tympani' with Judith Hancock as the soloist. She plays with style and grace very much in the manner in which Poulenc conceived this work. She is ably supported by the Orchestra of St. Luke's and the overall effect, while not as dramatic as in other recordings, is one more spiritually centered. This is a fine recording and a nice alternative to the usual Fauré Requiem sound. Grady Harp, October 05"