"Requiem Aeternam" marks the debut release of the Vasari Singers on Signum Records, offering a deeply intimate and moving exploration of requiem and mass settings. This 56-minute album, released in January 2003, showcases the ensemble's exceptional choral prowess and delicate minimalist sensibilities.
The album features a blend of works by Herbert Howells and Frank Backhouse, with the Vasari Singers delivering a nuanced and personal interpretation of each piece. The disc opens with Howells' poignant "Requiem - Salvator Mundi" and navigates through a series of psalms and requiem settings, culminating in a serene and contemplative mass. The Vasari Singers, under the direction of Jeremy Backhouse, bring a sense of intimacy and reverence to these sacred texts, making this recording a standout in the choral repertoire.
The album's highlight, Howells' "Requiem," is a deeply personal work, composed in memory of his son, who died at the age of nine. The Vasari Singers' sensitive rendering of this piece is particularly noteworthy, with the choir's pure tones and precise ensemble creating a sense of quiet reflection and profound loss. The disc also includes the world premiere recording of Frank Backhouse's mass, a work that complements Howells' requiem beautifully.
"Requiem Aeternam" was nominated for a Gramophone Award and won the magazine's Critic's Choice award for its recording of Dupré's "Profundis." This critical acclaim is a testament to the Vasari Singers' exceptional musicianship and the album's enduring appeal. Whether you're a seasoned choral enthusiast or a casual listener, "Requiem Aeternam" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience, showcasing the Vasari Singers' artistry and the enduring power of these sacred works.
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