Description:

For a conductor who in his later years cultivated a reputation for cerebral, contemplative (read slow) performances, this recording serves as a good reminder of bygone youthful vigor. Maazel’s approach to Verdi’s Requiem is meticulous without being fussy and he demonstrates his knack for accompanying singers to the benefit of the fine quartet of soloists. Pilar Lorengar captures all of the rapture of the soprano’s solos. Christa Ludwig’s earthy refinement plays particularly well in “Liber scriptus.” Nicolai Gedda offers an effortless “Ingemisco” and Nicolai Ghiaurov rounds out the ensemble with his sonorous bass. The sound is just slightly muffled.

In Mono

OD 11411-1