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.

Gabriel Faur? maintained that the music any composer writes for religious purposes reflects that composer's own emotions and spirituality. Faur?'s setting of Tantum ergo, Op. 55, is one of the composer's simplest works; overall, the atmosphere is one of quiet tranquility.

Cantique de Jean Racine was written in 1865 during Faure's final year at the Ecole Niedermeyer, winning him the first prize for composition, and this elegant work now holds a cherished place in the choral repertory for both sacred and secular occasions. Presented with an English singing translation in addition to the original French, John Rutter's edition includes an accompaniment for organ or piano, and the work may also be performed with the transcription for harp and strings (available separately), compatible with the instrumentation for the OUP edition of the Faure Requiem in its 1893 version. Complete orchestral and vocal material is available on hire/rental and on sale. In addition, an arrangement for upper voices (SSAA) with Faure's original keyboard accompaniment is available on sale.

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.