Search - Turtle Creek Chorale :: Requiem

An inspired blend of performance and recording prowess

Ray L. Kimber | Utah | 10/28/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD succeeds at the tricky combination of Glorious program material, inspired performance, and a flawless capture by the recording engineer."

Good recording of the "chamber" version of the Requiem

Samer T Ismail | Danbury, CT | 09/10/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Most recordings to date of the Rutter "Requiem" have used the version for full orchestra. Rutter also prepared an arrangement for organ, augmented by flute, oboe, clarinet, cello, harp, timpani, and percussion. This recording, to the best of my knowledge, is the only commercial recording of the latter version. In an interesting twist, though, while most recordings feature a choir of 50 or less, the choir here numbers about 200. Given the "reduced" forces, Seelig et al. acquit themselves admirably. All five of the anthems are well performed, especially the setting of Psalm 27, "The Lord is My Light and My Salvation." [Personally, I wish they had substituted another piece for "All Things Bright and Beautiful"; it is too saccharine to withstand repeated listenings.]The "Requiem" in particular stands out; the singing is clear throughout, and, in some cases, the organ-predominant version of the "Requiem" provides more thrills than the orchestral version (especially in the opening movement (Requiem aeternam). Also, Seelig takes the "Sanctus" at a faster pace than most other recordings: where Rutter himself takes 2'10", Seelig flies through at about 1'45", and it nevertheless feels like the more appropriate tempo.John Rutter's works, by and large, are more direct than other 20th century English composers; his works do not appeal to everyone. Given the uniqueness of this recording, it is certainly well-worth hearing (although, to be fair to Rutter, the recent mid-price re-release of his Requiem coupled with his Magnificat is certainly a better bargain)."

Great Recording

Robert W. Brown | Texarkana, TX | 05/29/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This interpretation is a great recording. For a non-professional group, the choruses deliver a touching and spiritual performance worthy of attention. My mom passed recently and I immediately thought of the Pie Jesu on the CD, ordered a fresh copy, and had it played as the prelude to the service which set a tone for the entire memorial. John Rutter once told me he didn't think this recording was what he wanted as a performance. Well, it wasn't done in a cathedral, true, but it's still beautiful and helps us average folks appreciate what he has written.

RWB"