Mozart's Requiem- Best recording on CD

I've heard a lot (most) of them. I sing in a professional choir. This makes me very picky. My choice is Philips# 411 420-2 - Peter Schreier conducting Leipzig Radio Chorus and Dresden State Orchestra. Best balance between chorus and orchestra I've heard. Sounds very natural like you are sitting in the hall. Mozart was German, so you hear the true German pronounced latin. Soloist all great: Margaret Price (Soprano); Trudeliese Schmitdt (Mezzo); Francisco Araiza (Tenor); Theo Adam (Bass)

PS: The Peter Scheier recording is a Gramaphone Magazine "Desert Island Choice". Which means if you were stranded on a desert island, could only have one CD, and never be able to get another one, this one would be a good choice.

The Scheier and the Gardiner mentioned are also the recommended recordings in the National Public Radio Performance Today Basic Record Library. Since the Scheier is modern instruments and the Gardiner original instruments, get them both !!! The Scheier is from 1983 and since it is still currently in print sais something, considering all the recordings that have been made.

There is an excellent edition by Robert Levin, Mozart Scholar at Harvard and pianist on many of Hogwoods original instrument Mozart Piano works. There is one recording available by a Boston Orchestra. I personally do not care for the Hogwood/Maunder recording.

Yes, that is it. The Perlman/Boston Baroque for the Robert Levin version. I've sung the whole Levin version in Baltimore for a Music Scholar Conference with Levin in attendance. We also sung parts from the other versions for comparison. Fun Day !!!!

Yes give it a go. I have three recordings: Boston Baroque/Levin, and the Scheier on CD, and the old 1967 standard with Colin Davis and the BBC Symphony & Chorus on LP. I listen to all for a change of pace, but the Scheier the most. I gave away the Hogwood/Maunder a long time ago. One listen and out. If you perform the Levin, do not be afraid to contact Robert, maybe he will come and give a talk, who knows.