Antonin Dvorak: Requiem , Op. 89 – Herreweghe

   in Choir & Organ (Sep, 2015)
The record label PHI (as in the Greek letter, representing the Golden Section) was founded by Philippe Herreweghe in 2010 to allow him the freedom to record major repertoire of his choice. The 40-strong mixed chorus Collegium Vocale Gent has – hard to believe – been under his direction since its foundation 45 years ago; he has been principal conductor of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic since 1997. Eight recent releases range from a cappella works by Gesualdo and Byrd, through Haydn and Mozart to the Dvorak Stabat Mater.

The Requiem is significant in Dvorak’s output because – in the composer’s own words – it takes ‘a step or more forward’ by …