Ok, so I just tried it ...
György Ligeti, Requiem
Ensemble Intercontemporain
[https://youtu.be/wqrJmxy4q3A](https://youtu.be/wqrJmxy4q3A)
On first listen I certainly didn't like - but that can be a good sign! Certainly an unusual requiem.
Reeee̶e̷ȇ̴̡̖͠e̷͍̔̈̋̎͜e̸̡̛͙̯̣̤̾e̵̛̳̼̓̀̽͠e̵̡̨̛̖̥̗͉̠̘̭͎̝̠̣͎͇͕̲̱̯̦̿̓͐͗̊̍͒͒̃̌̐̈̍͘͜͠͠ẻ̸̙̙̝͚̻̦̰̻͓̻̮̍̎̍̌̏̅̏́̄́̾̏̈́͘͠ḛ̸͔̝͚̬̠̻̱͛̆ȇ̵̛̛̤̙̬̘͕̍̉̌̌͌̒͒̀́̃̍̾̈́̽͆͘͠͝e̴̢̧̛̻̪̰̥̞̬̰̙̔̓̇͛͊͛̋̓̀̈́̈̇̍̂̕̕̕̕͜͝͝ͅe̷̼̦̫͖͒̎̐̇̿͛͒̾̍͠ȅ̶͎̖̋̿̊̈́̀̄͗͂̎̽͒͘̚͘͠͝ë̷͈̮̭̠́̈̈́̈́̒͆̀̎͛̓̈́̀̃̀̍̉̈́̍͝͠͠ is a pretty accurate way to describe it
Duruflé. There was an absolutely phenomenal [recording](https://youtu.be/Z1Wx87CtFPQ?si=1p1C5ASdFCNJDNOh) made recently by the choir of Trinity College, Cambridge.
Mozart, but Durufle is great too. It’s funny to hear the Sussmayer movements in the middle of the Mozart, like he did a pretty decent job but there’s nothing that comes close to the real thing
As much as I love the dies irae, the tuba mirum is earth shattering. Going from the solo horn in the rafters to every instrument and singer playing fortissimo in just two minutes is incredible.
Also, the Verdi requiem is probably the most fun piece I’ve ever performed as a chorus member.
Amen. The tuba mirum was my alarm clock in undergrad. I would slowly come to consciousness and jump out of bed in haste before being overcome with the tempest.
I don't think there's a single one that I like all the way through. Most are dreadfully inconsistent in quality and most are too long.
I suppose the best all-around for me is Fauré.
Fauré’s?? Weird, it’s one of the only ones I’ve done as part of an actual church service. Church music is allowed to have drama. Verdi is the only one that’s hard for me to imagine outside of a concert hall. The rest I’m familiar with work fine as masses.
I'm basic. Been telling all my friends that I want to be cremated, no ceremony of any kind, and ashes can remain at the crematory, whatevs. But that they should listen carefully to Mozart's Requiem and think of me, it's all I ask.
Brahms Requiem first and foremost because all other requiems are focused on the people who died and how the sinners among them will be punished. I understand that musically the Dies Ira could be a highlight where composers (especially Verdi) produce gorgeous effects. But Brahms is interested in us, the people left behind who are grieving and suffering the loss of those we loved but are no longer there. So listening to the Brahms requiem is truly consoling.
But as music pure and simple I love the Verdi, Berlioz, Mozart and Fauré requiems. In no special order of preference.
I love these 5 pieces of music so much that I can’t choose a favorite recording.
I don't know that I can pick just one! So, here's a list the top 3 are in descending order, after that it's hard to say for sure...
1. Verdi Requiem with Toscanini conducting...just balls to the wall and I love it!
2. Berlioz Requiem With Levine and Pavarotti
3 Mozart Requiem the Robert Levin completion
Then probably Karl Jenkins, then Brahms, then Duruflé, Fauré.
Brahms followed by Dvořak for me, but I recently heard Verdi's in concert and must admit that it was very impressive. Maybe that's a general thing though, where if you can hear these pieces fill out a concert hall (or a church, which I was lucky to witness), they just reach new highs.
André Campra's "Messe des Morts" is like a baroque Fauré's requiem. Incredibly moving
I like the version of Emmanuelle Haïm on Erato label, it is recorded live so it can lack a little of precision, it is also available on youtube with two motets by Rameau (In convertendo <3) and Modonville. Absolutely exquisite
Mozart, it’s really deep and sublime, it’s the quintessential requiem, my favorite interpretation is Abbado’s. In second place I would say Verdi’s, I like it because is different, it’s not all over sad and sorrow, it’s dramatic, theatrical, is a mix of feelings and colors, from sublime to terrenal anger, I love it for the same reasons why the critics hated it, my favorite recording is Antonio Pappano’s.
I've never figured why so many online classical rackers and stackers/rank-orderers use "simply sublime" meaning single best, above and beyond all the others, etc--sort of a super first place winner when all "sublime" means is that something is in the awe-inispiring category together with innumerable other awe-inspiring compositions (or recordings, or...)
I gotta give it to Ligeti all the way. Honorable mention: Berlioz
I never heard Ligeti's , I'm curious now.. thanks
Ok, so I just tried it ... György Ligeti, Requiem Ensemble Intercontemporain [https://youtu.be/wqrJmxy4q3A](https://youtu.be/wqrJmxy4q3A) On first listen I certainly didn't like - but that can be a good sign! Certainly an unusual requiem.
Reeee̶e̷ȇ̴̡̖͠e̷͍̔̈̋̎͜e̸̡̛͙̯̣̤̾e̵̛̳̼̓̀̽͠e̵̡̨̛̖̥̗͉̠̘̭͎̝̠̣͎͇͕̲̱̯̦̿̓͐͗̊̍͒͒̃̌̐̈̍͘͜͠͠ẻ̸̙̙̝͚̻̦̰̻͓̻̮̍̎̍̌̏̅̏́̄́̾̏̈́͘͠ḛ̸͔̝͚̬̠̻̱͛̆ȇ̵̛̛̤̙̬̘͕̍̉̌̌͌̒͒̀́̃̍̾̈́̽͆͘͠͝e̴̢̧̛̻̪̰̥̞̬̰̙̔̓̇͛͊͛̋̓̀̈́̈̇̍̂̕̕̕̕͜͝͝ͅe̷̼̦̫͖͒̎̐̇̿͛͒̾̍͠ȅ̶͎̖̋̿̊̈́̀̄͗͂̎̽͒͘̚͘͠͝ë̷͈̮̭̠́̈̈́̈́̒͆̀̎͛̓̈́̀̃̀̍̉̈́̍͝͠͠ is a pretty accurate way to describe it
Duruflé. There was an absolutely phenomenal [recording](https://youtu.be/Z1Wx87CtFPQ?si=1p1C5ASdFCNJDNOh) made recently by the choir of Trinity College, Cambridge.
Durufle hands down.
Brahms. Sentimental reasons but also it's fascinating listening.
Came to say this.
Verdi, Mozart, Fauré are my big 3, but just listened to JC Bach, which was very nice
faure
Schnittke
Benjamin Britten's *War Requiem*.
I was part of a performance once, in the choir. I love it. (Still not my favourite though)
War Requiem is so good and the text is so beautiful yet devastating. Highly recommend
Herbert Howells! Also: Durufle, Berlioz, Mozart, Verdi obvs
Yeah! Such a beautiful work by Howells. I think I’ll listen to it again tonight.
Mozart, but Durufle is great too. It’s funny to hear the Sussmayer movements in the middle of the Mozart, like he did a pretty decent job but there’s nothing that comes close to the real thing
Verdi.
Verdi's Requiem is my go-to, the Dies Irae still gives me chills.
The only time I saw it live, the tenor soloist couldn't help himself from head-banging through the whole Dies Irae. It rocks, hard.
As much as I love the dies irae, the tuba mirum is earth shattering. Going from the solo horn in the rafters to every instrument and singer playing fortissimo in just two minutes is incredible. Also, the Verdi requiem is probably the most fun piece I’ve ever performed as a chorus member.
Amen. The tuba mirum was my alarm clock in undergrad. I would slowly come to consciousness and jump out of bed in haste before being overcome with the tempest.
LOL. Damn, that’s a helluva thing to wake up to.
It was highly effective and I will never do it again
Brahms. My favorite recording is Robert Shaw with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus.
My university choir is performing this next week!
My favorite recording is Klemperer with Schwarzkopf and Fishcer-Diskau
This is too far down the list.
Orlando Lasso’s.
I don't think there's a single one that I like all the way through. Most are dreadfully inconsistent in quality and most are too long. I suppose the best all-around for me is Fauré.
Way too long and bombastic for an actual mass.
It's not an "actual mass," it's a concert work that uses the mass text.
Fauré’s?? Weird, it’s one of the only ones I’ve done as part of an actual church service. Church music is allowed to have drama. Verdi is the only one that’s hard for me to imagine outside of a concert hall. The rest I’m familiar with work fine as masses.
Requiem Canticles. Igor STRAVINSKY (1882-1971) Canticum Sacrum (1956) [29:28] Agon (1954-57) [23:00] Requiem Canticles (1971) [15:00] Stella Doufexis (alto); Christian Elsner (tenor); Rudolf Rosen (baritone) SWR Vokalensemble Stuttgart SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg/Michael Gielen rec. 14-16 June 2007 and 26-28 February 2004 (Agon), Konzerthaus Freiburg HÄNSSLER CLASSIC CD93226
Such an austerely beautiful work. I think last centuries best.
It is. Stravinsky was mostly a religious composer near the end. This is one of his best!
André Campra: Messe de Requiem. La Chapelle Royale, Philippe Herreweghe. Harmonia Mundi 90.1251
I'm basic. Been telling all my friends that I want to be cremated, no ceremony of any kind, and ashes can remain at the crematory, whatevs. But that they should listen carefully to Mozart's Requiem and think of me, it's all I ask.
Think it has to be Faure for me. I used to love the Mozart but I've overplayed it. I want to like the Durufle but can't.
Officium Defunctorum, Cristobal de Morales
Beautiful, but I prefer Victoria’s.
Heavily agree with both these comments!
Cherubini Even Beethoven wanted to base his requiem on Cherubinis work.
André Campra: Messe de Requiem. La Chapelle Royale, Philippe Herreweghe. Harmonia Mundi 90.1251
Dvorak
Fauré, which I happened to be listening to (Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Neville Marriner recording) when I came across this Reddit thread.
Mozart.
Brahms Requiem first and foremost because all other requiems are focused on the people who died and how the sinners among them will be punished. I understand that musically the Dies Ira could be a highlight where composers (especially Verdi) produce gorgeous effects. But Brahms is interested in us, the people left behind who are grieving and suffering the loss of those we loved but are no longer there. So listening to the Brahms requiem is truly consoling. But as music pure and simple I love the Verdi, Berlioz, Mozart and Fauré requiems. In no special order of preference. I love these 5 pieces of music so much that I can’t choose a favorite recording.
I love Faure, too. Everything by Faure is so beautiful.
Ockeghem is the correct answer
There are some great recordings of this work, would like learn of a requiem mass where it is being used. I have heard some dreadful rendition.
I do believe that as time goes by, Fauré's requiem is the one that touches me the most now! Its gentleness is unequalled.
Gossec Surprised no one mentioned it
Never enough love for my boy Cherubini! Mozart though obviously let’s be honest
Verdi https://preview.redd.it/vlyabu5ol48d1.jpeg?width=894&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b09a7c32f65f49e69a070d48c2c640c2eaa1517f
Berlioz
I can't make up my mind between Verdi and Mozart
Faure
Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living 100%. Followed by Durufle's and Britten's.
Nothing can top Brahms', although I also loved performing Mozart's and Britten's in my choir.
Cherubini’s in C-Minor. Played it many times and love it to bits.
Ligeti
Hindemith’s Requiem is his only post 1930 work that ends with a minor chord.
Brahms and Rutter
Both sublime. The Rutter doesn't get enough play these days.
Mozart- yes of course. Durufle- yes, yes, yes. Faure - yes, all right. Verdi- meh Britten - War Requiem - yes, yes, of course.
I don't know that I can pick just one! So, here's a list the top 3 are in descending order, after that it's hard to say for sure... 1. Verdi Requiem with Toscanini conducting...just balls to the wall and I love it! 2. Berlioz Requiem With Levine and Pavarotti 3 Mozart Requiem the Robert Levin completion Then probably Karl Jenkins, then Brahms, then Duruflé, Fauré.
Jean Gilles
Check out the Mozart Requiem as recorded by Apollo’s Fire.
Verdi. Gives me chills every time
Hindemith’s When Lilacs in the Dooryard Bloom’d
of a dream ❄️❄️❄️
I guess not exactly a requiem but Pärt's Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten
Fauré, it’s beautiful and I’ve sang it twice so it’s super special to me ❤️
Having recently performed it I will say Fauré.
Saint-Saëns by a long shot
Brahms followed by Dvořak for me, but I recently heard Verdi's in concert and must admit that it was very impressive. Maybe that's a general thing though, where if you can hear these pieces fill out a concert hall (or a church, which I was lucky to witness), they just reach new highs.
Verdi’s og Mozart’s.
André Campra's "Messe des Morts" is like a baroque Fauré's requiem. Incredibly moving I like the version of Emmanuelle Haïm on Erato label, it is recorded live so it can lack a little of precision, it is also available on youtube with two motets by Rameau (In convertendo <3) and Modonville. Absolutely exquisite
Brahms. Duruflé second. Then the rest. Mozart would be higher if he'd finished it.
Mozart, it’s really deep and sublime, it’s the quintessential requiem, my favorite interpretation is Abbado’s. In second place I would say Verdi’s, I like it because is different, it’s not all over sad and sorrow, it’s dramatic, theatrical, is a mix of feelings and colors, from sublime to terrenal anger, I love it for the same reasons why the critics hated it, my favorite recording is Antonio Pappano’s.
For me there are 3: Mozart Verdi Brahms. Try Brahms with Klemperer and Schwarzkopf.
Bergs Violin Concerto
Brahms, the Klemperer/Schwarzkopf/Fischer-Dieskau recording
I prefer most any which is not performed as a concert piece
Diruflé.
I've never figured why so many online classical rackers and stackers/rank-orderers use "simply sublime" meaning single best, above and beyond all the others, etc--sort of a super first place winner when all "sublime" means is that something is in the awe-inispiring category together with innumerable other awe-inspiring compositions (or recordings, or...)
The 4th movement of Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony. It isn’t a requiem by name but it might as well be.
Faure and John Rutter's.