Faure: Requiem / Franck: Symphony in D Minor
This CD presents Fauré's Requiem in the fully orchestrated version of 1901, though it's played on period instruments, so it seems much leaner than other recorded versions, such asChung's on DG. This beautiful work has been accused of being too sentimental, and indeed, it is just that syrupiness that can make it appealing. But Herreweghe keeps the tempi on the quick side, while emphasizing some of the score's darker moments--the "Dies irae" in the "Libera me" is wonderfully grim--and it's very effective. The use of a harmonium instead of an organ (approved by Fauré) adds even more flavor to  the already emphasized winds, and the singing, from soloists and chorus, is ideal. The Franck D Minor Symphony, a sort of grand bonus, is handsomely played, also on period instruments, which allow this sometimes overly orchestrated work to seem more transparent, more classical. The CD is recommended from start to finish.--Robert Levine