University Singers - Introit and Kyrie: Durufle Requiem

[sharky123]

Yikes. 

[thisisonlyatestforme]

ugh-that's sour- anyone who wants to hear a REAL CHOIR performing this heavenly piece of music (pun intended)-try this great cd-Maurice Durufle' -Complete music for choir by the St. Jacob's Chamber Choir- (BIS-CD-602 import) from 1993

[kozyshack12]

The choir sounds like they have the potential for a good sound, but this performance really succeeds in making the piece sound boring. It sounds very lethargic. So many nuances in the chant, tempi, dynamics, and expression that are just missed altogether. I think I might be spoiled by listening to Robert Shaw's rendition about 1,000+ times, but still, I don't believe they're ready for this piece. I've been moved to tears by the Kyrie on the climax in the Shaw performance. Good stuff.

[Chuckwsr]

Such a Beautiful piece- to butcher it so badly! They need to stop the tour immediately and go home before they ruin another person's evening. Hire a new director and find an organist who can register the instrument correctly!

[murphy456]

You should check out Matthew best, the Cordyon Singers and the English Chamber Orchestra.

[rttenniser]

No offense but this sounded like it was a half step lower than what it was supposed to be. Soft pallet and let the notes float in the head por favor! Great effort though.

[michaels7]

This is a poor rendition. Shaw with his Atlanta forces does a superb job. (on telarc compact disc).

[nemadmar24]

I must say that this is not the best representation of the Requim, lots of solo singers in this choir, blend, voice placement and COUNTING is definitely an issue. Also when moving from meter to meter the eight note remains constant, lots of made up music going on. If you don't believe me pull out the score (like I did) and follow along.

[tehmusician]

I'm not going to fight you or anything, 'cuz I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I'm just going to make a few points. "A City Called Heaven" was conducted by a student conductor who wanted to take it faster for what reason I'm not sure of. I think to make it feel more "poppy". And this piece they all just didn't like because it didn't move like any of the other songs they did, so they had no energy for it. Plus, they were on tour and this was their second or third day on it.

[perintastic]

not liking a song is no excuse for singing it horribly.

[connectwired]

It saddens me that the choir wouldn't understand this music, considering the incredible depth of beauty and emotional power this requiem has. I've seen directors and organists cry while rehearsing and conducting the Kyrie in particular, at least for anyone versed in the 400+ years of choral history in classical music surely they'd be moved by its fugal and chant-like qualities juxaposed with more modern harmonies. I feel the sadness from the notes, even if it's not inspired in the performance...

[Gillard09]

2nd or 3rd day of tour? We have a 17 day tour to china and we have to be on for every single one of them!

[hominoider]

WTF? How can this choir not like the first two movements from the Durufle Requiem?

[HawneyChile]

I have to be honest. This is the very worst I have ever heard the Durufle. I can't believe that this is a university group. The choral conductor didn't prepare them well and should be relieved of his duties. The intonation is bad - the singers are flat, the organ is isn't balanced with the singers, and the tempo is to slow. It's absolutely horrible.

[marvinslap]

Take easy :)

[influencija]

I am sorry to say, but this choir isn't too good. Intonation is so constantly low, it hurts :/

[trickythechink]

This isn't the Alma Redemptoris Mater. It's actually the Introit and Kyrie from the Maurice Durufle Requiem.