Search - Christian Gerhaher, Benjamin Britten, Helmuth Rilling :: Britten: War Requiem [Hybrid SACD]

Britten: War Requiem [Hybrid SACD]
Christian Gerhaher, Benjamin Britten, Helmuth Rilling
Britten: War Requiem [Hybrid SACD]
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (3) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (3) - Disc #2

Seldom performed or recorded, Britten's War Requiem may be one of the largest and most shaking works of the 20th century. The work was an immediate success following its premiere in May 1962 for the rededication of Coventr...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Christian Gerhaher, Benjamin Britten, Helmuth Rilling, Robin Engelen, Festivalensemble Stuttgart, Stuttgart Festival Orchestra, Annette Dasch, James Taylor
Title: Britten: War Requiem [Hybrid SACD]
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Hanssler Classics
Original Release Date: 1/1/2008
Re-Release Date: 6/10/2008
Album Type: Hybrid SACD - DSD, Import
Genre: Classical
Styles: Opera & Classical Vocal, Historical Periods, Early Music, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 4010276020509

Synopsis

Album Description
Seldom performed or recorded, Britten's War Requiem may be one of the largest and most shaking works of the 20th century. The work was an immediate success following its premiere in May 1962 for the rededication of Coventry Cathedral, which had been destroyed during the Battle of Britain in World War II. In this performance by Helmuth Rilling, the maestro has called upon some of the finest singers in Europe and presides over the massive canvas with a deep sensitivity to the work's texts and intent, creating a truly shattering performance.

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CD Reviews

A little less British, but great Britten!
William Dodd | Castle Rock, WA USA | 05/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rilling and his forces do this work very well. Whether you'd prefer the original or Hickox is matter of individual tastes, I suspect. The Hickox does also offer the Sinfonia Da Requiem, which I enjoy very much. But I really like this one. Britten than being conducted by a Bach expert puts a new light on it. But... the recording itself is fantastic, utilizing multi-channel in a very positive way to involve the listener completely."
Rilling's Britten
D. K. Croft | Everett, WA | 02/05/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)

"As might be expected, Rilling's War Requiem displays a strong performance from the choral forces, including the boys choir, and the sonics are stunning. Annette Dasch sings the soprano solos with much better intonation than one often hears, but it must be said that she lacks the "bite" necessary for a truly fine performance. Christian Gerhaher often presents a tone very similar to Fischer-Dieskow, but sometimes lacks control. Although I've never been a fan of Peter Pears, I very much prefer his performance on the original Britten recording; James Taylor enunciates clearly, but I find little beauty in his singing.



Despite the soloists' shortcomings, however, Rillings' version of this masterpiece is definitely worth hearing. While the original Britten recording still sets the standard, the Rilling performance is very solid, and the transparency of the sonic field is noteworthy."