Fauré: Requiem

Fauré was not drawn to compose a Requiem because of the death of a loved one, even though his mother had died during the early stages of composition and his father had passed away two years before. Fauré’s composition does not set his Requiem to the standard liturgical text, instead adding a lyrical Pie Jesu and transcendent Paradisum, and omitting the Dies Irae and Tuba Mirum.

As a result the mood of the Requiem is relatively calm and peaceful and often referred to as a “lullaby of death”.

Fauré’s unconventional composition has become a firm favourite in the repertoire.

Paavo Järvi, new musical director of the Orchestre de Paris – one of the largest and most prestigious international orchestras – and has already gained a notable reputation as a conductor, including winning a Grammy award.