At full price on Harmonia Mundi label we have Herreweghe using "period instruments", 2nd choice here probably is Gardiner on Phillips. At budget level Hickox on Virgin Ultraviolet label is probably best value, performance also near best available.......Karajan fans also like his 1987 digital performance on DG Gold label........I would go for Hickox/Virgin as best choice sound/performance/cost, Sam |
I think i mentioned once, on one of these threads. mOZART "REQUIEM" on Deutsche Grammophon, performed by Berliner Philharmoniker, dircted by Claudio Abbado. Karita Mattila, Rachel Harnisch soprano..etc Performance(1999) was so far THE BEST i heard. And sound, surpasses any Lp record i had (including Karajan). This is the first time i had to give "thumbs-up" to CD, over the analog. SUPERB! |
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. |
It is also important to remember that Mozart did not "write" much of the Requiem, just a few sections and sketches for the rest. Which version then becomes an important consideration. |
All the above mentioned, and most recordings use the Sussmayr edition..........Hogwood uses Maunder edition, and Norrington uses Druce edition......for those who like Mozart cantatas you must own Exultate Jubilate and other assorted works on Oiseau-Lyre label 411 832-2 Hogwood/Emma Kirkby/Westminster boys choir, demonstration class sound |
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. |
I too sing in a choir (a good church choir), and I agree with Sugarbrie as to the Scheier performance. Sound is pretty good, and the soloists are top notch. The Boston one that he refers to in his latest is, I think, the Pearlman/Boston Baroque (sp, I'm sure) on Telarc, which I have not heard. It undoubtedly will have good sound, judging by their other discs, which I have, but I've not heard the version they sing. If I'm right on the ensemble, the choir will be smaller than you might otherwise be used to as well (I have their Bach Mass in B Minor). |
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 !!!! |
Sugarbrie, that does sound like fun. Any preference as to Levin's version vs. the Sussmayr? Given Telarc's virtues with their other Boston Baroque recordings, it might be worthwhile to pick up, if only for the comparison. Also, I might want our choir director to give it a listen. |
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. |
Thanks to everyone who responded! I've already started to obtain some of the recordings. In my experience well-recorded classical CDs are difficult to find. Thanks again! |
The Schier , largely because of the Great 2 German Choirs .
FYI Mozart was Austrian.
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