Hyperion Records

The two short motets both date from 1894, when Fauré was in charge of the music at the Madeleine and before he took up his professorship at the Conservatoire. The Tantum ergo, for three-part female choir with soloists and organ accompaniment, is one of three settings he made of the text. The Ave verum is a duet for soprano and countertenor (or tenor and baritone) with organ. Both are pleasant enough, if a little simplistic.

from notes by Wadham Sutton © 1989