This disc is a profoundly beautiful and supremely effective meditation on the theme of death and mourning. Part of its power comes in the way it intelligently juxtaposes a number of works that would normally never be heard together…one of the strengths of the disc is that you are welcome to delve as deep into that side of things as you like, but you are under no obligation to do so; if you choose simply to listen to the beautiful music then there is plenty of space to do just that.

The singing of Tenebrae is marvellous here. Their blend is nothing short of sensational, and they fit the acoustic of St Giles’ Cripplegate as though it had been tailor made for them. Each of the chorales passes simply but beautifully, every phrase imbued with thoughtfulness and meaning, and their contribution (with reduced numbers) to the Ciaccona is direct and clear without being overdone. Nikolitch’s playing of the Partita is deeply meditative and, for the first movements at any rate, rather withdrawn and tentative, as befits the mood of mourning. His playing becomes more extrovert, growing in stature until the great Ciaccona, which is magnificent.

The real USP of this disc, however, is that all of this profound soul searching is almost a mere curtain-raiser to what is perhaps the finest recorded performance of the Fauré Requiem I have come across. The listener moves straight from the final note of the Partita into the first chord of the Requiem - which is in the same key - and the effect is both startling and moving. The first chord from the LSO ensemble is majestic and sumptuous, pulsing with emotion and portent, and their chamber size approach works brilliantly, filling the church acoustic with rich, sumptuous sound without ever overwhelming the text. Nigel Short’s pacing of the work is masterful throughout, unfolding the score with affection and the right balance of seriousness and tenderness.

I would now turn to Tenebrae above any other for this work, and it’s helped that the disc as a whole is rather marvellous, exceptionally well performed and very intelligently programmed. That, combined with LSO Live’s superb sound and budget price, makes it a definite winner. © 2013 MusicWeb International Read complete review

…I have no hesitation in labelling this the very best Fauré Requiem on disc.

…given the grand spaciousness of the recorded sound and Nigel Short’s expansive approach, it is a performance of extreme richness and opulence. Short’s marvellously moulded phrases, long-drawn and exquisitely shaped, as well as his penchant for expansive crescendos…in which James Sherlock leads the way brilliantly with some breathtaking manipulation of the St Giles’ Cripplegate organ, are vital elements in elevating this performance to the sublime.

Not to be downplayed…is the exquisite singing of Tenebrae, the magical violin luminously hovering over the Sanctus like an angel in the clouds, instinctively warm and sympathetic orchestral playing and, above all, absolutely gorgeous singing…from both Grace Davidson and William Gaunt…this is a devastatingly beautiful performance. © 2013 Gramophone Read complete review on Gramophone