Verdi: Messa Da Requiem (2-SACD) – Jessye Norman, José Carreras

Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
Artists: Jessye Norman, Agnes Baltsa, José Carreras, Jewgenij Nesterenko, Chor und Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Conductor: Riccardo Muti
Number of Discs: 2
Label: BR Klassik
SACD Release Date: August 24, 2021

The Munich performances of Verdi’s “Messa da Requiem” in October 1981 with Jessye Norman, Agnes Baltsa, José Carreras and Yevgeny Nesterenko, the Bavarian Radio Chorus, and the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks conducted by Riccardo Muti were concert events that have hardly been equaled since, let alone surpassed – so powerful were the chorus and orchestra, so strictly did the maestro keep his eye on the interpretation, and so superb were the renowned soloists – singers of international renown who gave their all to achieve the best possible result. 

Finally – four decades later – BR Klassik can now present this absolute pinnacle on album. The audience was spellbound and totally captivated, and there was glowing praise from the critics: the powerful work, they said, had hardly ever been heard like this on this side of the Alps; Riccardo Muti had demonstrated how Verdi’s Requiem should sound; the performance was authentic, frightening, tender and terrifying, providing a timid yet hopeful glimpse of transcendence; all in all, a truly resounding success.

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