What is the best recording of Mozart's Requiem?

[Teraflame]

On parts like Dies Irae, I find it too slow on most of the versions I've heard and can't track down the one I heard years ago that was just perfect.

 

[DavidMahler]

I love the Harnoncourt version of this.....

 

[vcoheda]

one of my favorites.

2 other famous recordings

and one recent one.

 

[Nick 214]

I'm doing this off the top of my head, since I don't feel like getting into my collection right now...

I have an awesome DG, not the one shown above, mine has a left-facing angel on the cover.

Also, I have a great Angel/Seraphim Stereo version, less defined performance, but still an excellent recording.

NK

 

[shoenberg3]

As you mentioned you didn't enjoy the slowness on Dies Irae, my suggestion may not be of use, but my absolute favorite recording is by Celibidache. And yes, he takes everything quite slowly but with such grandeur..

 

[classicalguy]

Herreweghe on Harmonia Mundi takes it at a faster pace, as does William Christie on Erato. Herreweghe has pretty good sound too.

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by classicalguy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Herreweghe on Harmonia Mundi takes it at a faster pace, as does William Christie on Erato. Herreweghe has pretty good sound too.

My very favorite also is the Herreweghe/Harmonia Mundi

The new Harnoncourt/Harmonia Mundi mentioned above is also very good for Mozart Requiem, but did not like his new Handel Messiah.....which surprised me

Other versions I liked enough to keep in my collection:
-Hogwood/Lyre (Emma Kirkby!)
-Harnoncourt/Harmonia Mundi
-Solti/London (live 1991 VPO)
-Hickox/Virgin Classics
-Gardiner/Phillips
-Pearlman/Telarc

Would like to hear the Christie/Erato mentioned by CG since I tend to really like him in this genre, especially his Handel Messiah for Harmonia Mundi which is my reference

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif My very favorite also is the Herreweghe/Harmonia Mundi Would like to hear the Christie/Erato mentioned by CG since I tend to really like him in this genre, especially his Handel Messiah for Harmonia Mundi which is my reference

Update..........Amazon had the Christie/Erato Requiem used for $2.50 so I placed an order, love those used prices!

 

[classicalguy]

Yep. Used is the only way to fly.

I have not heard the Harnoncourt requiem - I'll be interested in your comparison.

I should say that while I like the requiem, I LOVE the Great Mass in C Minor. And, while I hate to admit this in semi-public, I think the Karajan version is my standard. I attribute this to great singing rather than great conducting, of course

 

[Kang]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkAngel /img/forum/go_quote.gif Would like to hear the Christie/Erato mentioned by CG since I tend to really like him in this genre, especially his Handel Messiah for Harmonia Mundi which is my reference

Which version, 1994 or 2006? Are they the same recording just reissued?

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kang /img/forum/go_quote.gif Which version, 1994 or 2006? Are they the same recording just reissued?

Those are the same Handel Messiah performance for Christie/HM, just different issue dates and packaging.

 

[FinnishFlash]

I auditioned both the Christie and Harnoncourt recordings some time ago and ended up buying the Harnoncourt, which IMHO has more of an emotional impact. That said, Christie is an extremely good performance, with perhaps even better playing and singing than the Harnoncourt (and, to please the op, a very quick tempo in Dies Irae) and is one that I can warmly recommended.

I am glad that vcoheda brought up the live Bernstein recording, which has been a favourite of mine ever since I saw a TV broadcast of that concert (that celebrated the 200th anniversaty of Mozart's death) in 1989. A hugely emotional experience that is well worth exploring on both CD and DVD.

 

[bassoprofundo]

I've heard numerous recordings of the work, and I prefer the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra recording with Robert Shaw conducting.

Link

The Harnoncourt recording is a very fine recording as well.

 

[Tyson]

I prefer the Harnoncourt, but the Herreweghe is a close second. The first is more emotional, the second more beautiful.

 

[Kang]

Thank you all. I've just ordered the Herreweghe version, which will join Harnoncourt version, as well as Christie's Messiah.

This forum is continues to attack my bank balance!