In July 2022, having established themselves in the Parisian church of Saint-Eustache, the Chapel Choir of Trinity College Cambridge under Stephen Layton – in addition to recording a disc of choral music by David Briggs, ‘Hail, Gladdening Light’ – laid down this new, glowing account of Duruflé’s Requiem. With Harrison Cole presiding at the van den Heuvel organ the journey starts gently, flowing serenely like the Seine. The church’s vast acoustic tends to blunt consonants somewhat but the overall effect is sublime. Moving seamlessly into the Kyrie, the various ‘gear changes’ are impeccably negotiated, building to a luminous, rounded climax.

Dramatic and dynamic contrasts and perfectly judged tempos make the Domine Jesu Christe a highly satisfying movement, abetted by scrupulous attention to organ registration instructions and the honeyed intensity of baritone soloist Florian Störtz. The Sanctus maintains this high-octane approach, with a particularly thunderous central ‘Hosanna’.

So far, so good, with predictably impeccable choral singing. However, in the Pie Jesu opinions might be divided about the mezzo-soprano solo by Katherine Gregory. I find her rather heavy vibrato just too laboured, although her use of portamento adds another layer of expression. Myrtille Hetzel’s cello obbligato is, in comparison, more innocent and direct. The rest of the work has many beautiful moments, especially the unbridled basses in the Libera me and a shimmering nervous energy in the thunderous ‘Dies illa’.

Poulenc’s Lenten motets are some of the most difficult and exacting a cappella works in the repertory. This recording dates from 2021 and was made in the choir’s ‘home acoustic’ in Cambridge. Clarity is the keyword here – that and impeccable tuning. Interestingly, in the second motet, ‘Vinea mea electa’, Layton makes a tiny change to one chord which is different from his earlier recording (4/08). Plaudits for soprano Sumei Bao-Smith, who soars lightly in the final motet, which ends in Poulenc’s favourite key at that time of G minor. A Gallic choral feast and strongly recommended.