Faure was not drawn to compose a Requiem because of the death of a loved one, even though his mother had died during the early stages of composition and his father had passed away two years before. Faure's composition does not set his Requiem to the standard liturgical text, instead adding a lyrical Pie Jesu and transcendent Paradisum, and omitting the Dies Irae and Tuba Mirum - which, for most composers, are opportunities to demonstrate the dramatic possibilities available with the choral and orchestral forces. As a result the mood of the Requiem is relatively calm and peaceful and often referred to as a lullaby of death. Faure's unconventional composition has become a firm favourite in the repertoire and available here is the vocal score, for soloists and SATB choir with piano accompaniment, as edited by Desmond Ratcliffe.

The A Z of String Players surveys the lives, careers and recordings of over 300 string players from the past and present. Many great string players who have made recordings are included, from Accardo to Zukerman. The text covers artists from the earliest recording processes to contemporary, cutting-edge technology. In this clear and straight-forward publication, the artists are listed alphabetically, with a summary of their career, notable recordings, biography and critical appraisal of their recorded legacy. In addition, four compact discs present a selection of recordings from 69 artists. This package will appeal to enthusiast and scholar alike as a readable, informed and fascinating work of reference.

A substantial new edition of this beloved art song literature, standard fare for collegiate singers. Historical notes are included for each song, and a line by line English translation for study. George Seurat's great painting "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" adorns the cover.