It was the French music publisher Hamelle who suggested that Fauré expand his 'petit Requiem' (1893 version – as restored by John Rutter) into a 'version symphonique' (1900). However, if you like Fauré's evergreen sung by a large chorus supported by symphonic-strength strings and brass then this new recording will suit nicely.
The disc's sound is consistently warm, reverberant and engaging. The chorus are in committed form: unanimous, well blended and balanced.
Aside from one ugly glitch from the sopranos in the Requiem's Sanctus ('hosanna-RIN-excelsis'), they should be congratulated on their clear diction.
Unlike Philippe Herreweghe's 'authentic' recording, no attempt has been made to sing the Latin text with a French accent. Yan Pascal Tortelier's tempos are perfectly sensible, though the opening Kyrie is well below the metronome marking.
Both soloists control their fervour admirably, and the organist Jonathan Scott conjures up a wide variety of (presumably) electronic organ tone, including a delicious hamonium-type combination in the 'Pie Jesu'.
The enjoyable makeweights Pavane and Cantiquede Jean Racine both breathe the calm air of the Requiem. But the disc's revelation is a wonderful performance of the rarely heard La Naissance deVénus, a 23-minute 'mythological scene' completed in 1895. It's a little gem.