Verdi: Requiem/Puccini: Missa di Gloria/Poulenc: Gloria

Dive into the profound and stirring world of sacred choral music with Michel Corboz's masterful interpretation of three iconic works: Verdi's Requiem, Puccini's Messa di Gloria, and Poulenc's Gloria. This album, released on August 4, 2003, under the Warner Classics label, is a testament to Corboz's exceptional conducting and the exquisite performances by the Coro Gulbenkian and Orquestra Gulbenkian.

The album opens with Verdi's powerful Messa da Requiem, a monumental work that combines the grandeur of opera with the solemnity of the requiem mass. Each section, from the haunting "Dies Irae" to the serene "Lacrymosa," is rendered with precision and passion, showcasing the depth and range of the choir and soloists.

Following Verdi's masterpiece, Puccini's Messa di Gloria offers a contrasting yet equally captivating experience. This early work by the renowned composer is filled with lyrical beauty and dramatic intensity, particularly in the "Gloria" and "Credo" sections. Corboz's direction brings out the youthful exuberance and spiritual fervor of Puccini's composition.

The album concludes with Poulenc's Gloria, a work that blends the sacred and the secular in a uniquely French style. The piece is known for its rhythmic vitality and harmonic richness, and Corboz's interpretation highlights these qualities, making it a standout performance.

With a total duration of 2 hours and 21 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of three seminal works in the choral repertoire. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Michel Corboz's renditions of these timeless pieces are sure to captivate and inspire.