This first collaboration between Oxford’s Christ Church Cathedral Choir, members of the Sixteen and Oxford Baroque – a tremendous combination, much to be encouraged – reveals Francesco Durante’s never-before published Requiem in C minor in all its 18th-century glory. Stephen Darlington has produced a performing edition, drawing on manuscript copies scattered across Europe, and conducts the elegant, richly melodic score with unique understanding. The soloists are uniformly excellent, and the string playing as crisp and alert as the fresh young voices of the Christ Church trebles.
