This is a stunning recording of Faure's Reuiem. The Sixteen deliver a wonderfully rich sound, and the Academy of St. Martin's is impeccable. What continues to amaze me about this recording is that the choir, at only 16 voices, manages to produce a warm full tone, which still records as clean and well blended. It's absolutely breathtaking in places. One subjective criticism: The soprano soloist's voice can get a bit pedantic.

I absolutely LOVE the faure requiem. This version, while not sounding too operatic, still retains great choral tones and amazing vocalists. However, I had to pay for the entire album, after first purchasing pie jesu, when it should've lowered in price. Ah well, it was worth it.

Our choir sang the Sanctus this morning in church. I was in the tenor section. I couldn't wait to download it from iTunes. Soulful both times.