Sir Colin Davis is a revered Berlioz expert and his LSO live\nBerlioz recordings have been one of the most widely acclaimed\nseries’ of classical recordings of recent years and collected\nnumerous awards, including two Grammy Awards for Les Troyens.

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The release of the monumental Grande Messe des morts marks the\ncompletion of this cycle and further confirms Sir Colin’s status as\none of the greatest living conductors of Berlioz’s music.

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Recorded in St Paul’s Cathedral, a fitting acoustic for the\nwork, the London Symphony Orchestra opened the 50th anniversary of\nthe City of London Festival with the requiem, joined by English\nlyric tenor Barry Banks and two of London’s finest choirs, the\nLondon Symphony Chorus and London Philharmonic Choir.

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Grand Messe des Morts is a popular Berlioz creation, yet remains\na rare and special treat. A requiem whose text derives from the\ntraditional Latin Requiem Mass, it was composed, uniquely, by a man\nwith no firm religious belief. Throughout the piece there is an\nextreme variation of dynamics. Poignant, reflective music is\ncontrasted with four blazing brass ensembles, ensuring a very\npowerful and grand listening experience.

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