Contrary to the imaginative view offered by many commentators, Fauré's Requiem had nothing to do with the death of Fauré's parents. 'My Requiem was written for nothing', the composer confided to Maurice Emmanuel, 'it was written, if I may say so, for fun.' Ernest Ansermet recorded the piece with two stellar artists – Suzanne Danco and Gérard Souzay – whose stylistic solos are completely in keeping with the music's sentiments. Ansermet also recorded three of Fauré's orchestral works for Decca in 1961, originally coupled with Debussy's Petite Suite. They are included on this anthology, thereby presenting the sum of Ansermet's Fauré recordings for Decca.

'Gerard Souzay sings the baritone part most beautifully and for this, and for Ansermet's grave and distinguished treatment of the lovely work, the reissuse is most welcome … In almost every respect an ideal performance'[Requiem] - Gramophone

'Ansermet and his orchestra play eloquently and the recording is excellent [Orchestral Works] - Gramophone

'Ansermet's version [of the Requiem] is technically immaculate' … 'sympathetic and stylish performances [of the orchestral works], highly regarded in their day and still sounding well.' - Penguin Guide To Bargain Compact Discs
 
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
[01-07] Requiem, Op. 48
I. Introit & Kyrie
II. Offertoire
III. Sanctus
IV. Pie Jesu
V. Agnus Dei
VI. Lebera me
VII. In paradisum

[08-12] Pelléas et Mélisande, Op. 80: Incidental Music
I. Prelude
II. La Fileuse
III. Molto adagio
IV. Sicilienne

[12] Pénélope: Prélude

[13-16] Masques et bergamasques, Op. 112: Suite
I. Ouverture
II. Menuet
III. Gavotte
IV. Pastorale

Eric Schmidt, organ [01-07]
Suzanne Danco, soprano
Gérard Souzay, baritone
L’Union Chorale de la Tour de Peilz
Robert Mermoud, chorus master
L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Ernest Ansermet, conductor