Harmonia Mundi: HMC901771

Press comments:

"As always with this conductor, the sheer sound is spellbinding." Ivan Hewett, The Times

"a performance of dark intensity, free from the cloying sentiment that can so easily afflict this beautiful work." Michael Kennedy, The Sunday Telegraph

"If you only hear the 'Sanctus', you will need no further persuading about the merits of this CD. In its evocation of the eternal, Philippe Herreweghe's performance is breathtaking. As you would expect from someone with well- established period credentials, there is not a note in his latest recording of the Faure Requiem that doesn't betray a concern for style. Ultimately, however, it's the unforced spirituality of his reading that counts, putting everything else into the shade. In a crowded field, Herreweghe stands out by a mile." Andrew Clark, Financial Times

"A recent Artsworld documentary showed Philippe Herreweghe rehearsing his Parisian orchestra in Beethoven's Choral Symphony. It was an inspiring occasion - the young musicians were clearly entranced by one of Europe's most charismatic 'period' musicians. On this new disc, he adds the full-orchestra version of the Fauré Requiem to his earlier recording of the chamber edition. And, as a rare and generous coupling, Franck's Symphony is compellingly performed." Gramophone Magazine