Benjamin Britten, Wroclaw Philharmonic Choir, Gabrieli Young Singers Scheme, Tre - War Requiem
STYLE: Choral RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 146044- LABEL: Signum SIGCD 340 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 2
Reviewed by Steven Whitehead
This is a stunning release, beautifully presented and superbly performed. The two CDs are housed in a hardback book with many vintage black and white photographs, an interesting and illuminating essay by Mervyn Cooke, some fascinating reminiscences and personal responses, and the texts with the relevant translations of the Latin. The work reflects Britten's pacifist beliefs and was composed to mark the consecration of a new Cathedral in Coventry in 1962. Britten combines the Latin text of the "Missa pro Defunctis" with nine poems by the First World War poet Wilfred Owen, which provide a moving and sometimes uncomfortable commentary on the liturgical text. Conductor Paul McCreesh marshals his forces very well and all deserve praise, particularly the soloists Susan Gritton (soprano), John Mark Ainsley (tenor) and Christopher Maltman (baritone). I have two reservations - quibbles, if you prefer - that deter me from giving this the full 10 squares. There are other versions of the War Requiem available, including a digitally remastered release of the original recording, and several that are cheaper. McCreesh's take stands up to any comparison but the full price of £18 for 84 minutes of music may be too much for some. My other point against this is the fact that disc one comes with just two index points and disc two with four. Yes, this allows the piece to flow as intended but it does diminish its usefulness as a resource. However if money is no object this is certainly well worth considering as a purchase.
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This has now won the Choral Award for 2014 in the BBC Music Magazine.