Reviewed by John Irvine

On hearing Cherubini's setting of the Requiem Mass Beethoven apparently declared that "if I were to write a requiem, Cherubini's would be my only model". In fact, this work was performed at Beethoven's funeral in 1827, at his request. Schumann, another great 19th century composer, thought Cherubini's setting to be "without equal in the world". Time, however, has not been kind to Cherubini, and it is only now that we are beginning to re-appreciate his orchestral and choral writing. It is obviously time to reassess Cherubini as a major composer of his time and this current recording by the Corydon Singers stands as a fitting tribute to the genius of Cherubini's choral writing. An hour of music more beautiful than this would be hard to find. A slow opening ("Introit", "Kyrie", "Graduate") is wonderfully sustained until interrupted by a dramatic and powerful "Dies Irae" (Day Of Wrath). The following "Offertorium, Domine Jesu Christe", is a glorious celebration of Christ's majesty and gives thanks for his work of salvation. This gives way to a second "Offertorium", initially more subdued, where prayers are offered for the dead. A short but stately "Sanctus" is followed by a sweet and simple "Pie Jesu". This is a magnificent choral work, moving and devotional, equally at home in the context of Catholic services as well as in the concert hall. A work that powerfully communicates the emotion and sense of the familiar text. The Corydon Singers and Orchestra provide a wonderful interpretation of this work in a recording that you will return to again and again. As an added bonus the disc also includes Cherubini's "March Funebre" which is best summed up as six minutes of unsurpassed glory in this anguished, grief-stricken death march.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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