Charles Gounod's "Requiem & Messe Chorale" is a profound and moving collection of sacred music that showcases the composer's mastery of both choral and orchestral writing. Released in 2011 under the Mirare label, this album features two of Gounod's most significant works: the grand "Messe de Requiem en Ut Majeur" and the "Messe Chorale en Sol Mineur." The "Requiem" is a powerful and dramatic setting of the traditional Latin Mass for the Dead, scored for four soloists, mixed choir, and a full orchestra. The "Messe Chorale" is a more intimate and contemplative work, featuring organ accompaniment and a smaller ensemble. Together, these pieces offer a comprehensive exploration of Gounod's sacred music, from the intense and dramatic to the serene and meditative. Gounod, a French composer known for his twelve operas, brings his signature elegance and emotional depth to these sacred compositions. The album's duration of approximately 1 hour and 3 minutes provides a rich and immersive listening experience, perfect for those seeking to explore the beauty and complexity of classical sacred music.