Telarc cd's and Mozart's Requiem

I'll second the Peter Schreier on Philips more for performance quality, which I care about more than sound quality (I sing in a professional chorus). It does sound very good as well.

Note that the Hogwood is not the traditional Mozart Requiem which was "unfinished" at Mozart's death; and was complete by one of his students using Mozart's outline and notes.

The Hogwood is a version completed by some Mozart scholar more recently. Unless you like to experiment, you'll probably be disapointed with it. Other than the first half of the movements which Mozart completely finished, it is totally different.

FYI, Schreier is/was a professional tenor (and a good one), before becoming a conductor. It shows in that he cares about the singing first. Many conductors focus on the orchestra and leave the singers and chorus to fend for themselves.

The Gardiner uses "historic" instruments and techniques I believe, and a smaller chorus, so you'll have to decide whether you want that kind of sound as well.

The Schreier has a more typical, more modern instrument presentation like the Shaw, with a large chorus and excellent soloists..

FYI, Peter Schreier was/is a professional tenor (and a good one), long before becoming a conductor. It shows in that he cares more about the quality of the singing, which I feel matters in a piece like this. Many conductors focus on the orchestra, and leave the singers and chorus to basically fend for themselves. I've experienced this first hand... This also explains Robert Shaw's success (ie, singers come first).

Gardiner is also very good. It comes down to what style you like... I've also always liked how Colin Davis handles choruses and singers.