Although principally known today for his operas, Charles Gounod (1818–1893) also wrote a considerable number of religious works: masses, oratorios, motets, sacred songs, etc. The composer himself once said: «Palestrina and Bach are church fathers for us, it is important that we remain their sons» – and he in fact composed sacred music from his first years as a student at the conservatory until his dying days. Gounod’s early Mass No. 2, Op. 1, is both meticulously conceived and strikingly impassioned; its heart-felt sincerity and deep faith are particularly inspiring. Late in his life, following the death of a grandchild, Gounod began composing anew; shortly before his death he completed his Requiem in C Major, a composition of sublime beauty.

It is a melodious, transparent work filled with light and consolation. A group of young Swiss vocal and instrumental soloists, the Quartet Sine Nomine, and the Swiss Choirs Chœur de Chambre Romand and Chorale du Brassus are led by André Charlet in this co-production with Radio Suisse Romande, Espace 2.