Maurice Abravanel - Berlioz: Requiem, Op.5

The Berlioz Requiem was recorded in the Mormon Tabernacle during the same period as Mahler's Symphony No. 1. Both are four-channel recordings with the main orchestral microphones up front and the ambient sound from the rear. Vanguard did not utilize the center channel in this multichannel SACD remastering.

This Requiem calls for immense instrumental and vocal resources used not only for power but also for the most subtle and varied refinement of color, and at times making distinct use of music heard to come from different directions. The main orchestra consists of four flutes, two oboes, two English horns, four clarinets, 12 horns, eight bassoons, four cornets, four tubas, 16 kettle drums, two bass drums, four tamtams, 10 cymbals and an enormous complement of strings.

In addition, in the Tuba mirum, Rex tremendae and Lacrymosa, four brass bands are arranged about the orchestra and emanate from the four points of the compass: North, consisting of four trumpets, four trombones and two tubas; East, of four trumpets and four trombones; West, of four trumpets and four trombones; and South, of four trumpets, four trombones, and four tubas. There are also two choruses and a tenor soloist, the latter was placed in the organ loft and is heard from a great distance from the original loudspeakers.

Disc One

Hector Beriloz: Requiuem, op. 5

1. Requiem et Kyrie - Introitus

2. Dies irae - Prosa, Tuba mirum

3. Quid sum miser

4. Rex tremendae

5. Quaerens me

6. Lacrymosa

7. Offertorium

8. Hostias

Disc Two

1. Sanctus

2. Agnus dei

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 1 in D Major, ''Titan''

3. Langsam; Schleppend

4. Kraftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnell

5. Feierlich und gemessen, ohne zu schleppen

6. Sturmisch bewegt

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