The choral works of Duruflé, like his organ works, are small in number but beautifully crafted. Frequently written and rewritten until he was completely satisfied, he was a composer who rethought and reconfigured his music right up to the moment he had to let go of it. Often described as a man out of step with his times, his pieces look back to Gregorian chant and plainsong at a time when the musical life of his home city of Paris was steeped in radical new compositional ideas – a testament perhaps to Duruflé’s enduring love of France’s choral heritage. In a new recording produced by Grammy® winning producer Blanton Alspaugh, the Houston Chamber Choir are led by artistic director Robert Simpson on their first release with Signum Records. ★★★★★ Houston Chamber Choir here offer beautifully presented accounts of all of Duruflé’s choral music – Choir & Organ ★★★★ No listener could fail to be impressed by both the quality of the compositions and performances – Cross Rhythms ★★★★ Beautifully crafted – Classical Source [Ken Cowan] certainly adds real distinction to this performance of the Requiem – Gramophone The Houston Chamber Choir, led by their artistic director Robert Simpson, present an immaculate account of these works– The Northern Echo Beautiful, artistic singing and thoughtful, sensitive music-making at every turn – Dale Warland A superb recording to be treasured – Simon Carrington All downloads include booklets.
