Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jan Brink, Rob Petri :: Mozart: Requiem

MOZART WAS THERE!!!

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 06/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are many, many versions of the Mozart Requiem (K. 626) available, doubtless a multitude of fine performances, at all prices, but I sincerely doubt that any one of them can match the.... how should I put this... well, the unnerving authentic Mozartian "feel" of this really special recording. It's almost as if it has a tangible "existence" of its own... and the listener is thrust back to the late 18th century. Uncanny would be putting it mildly.



Actually, because this is a Point Classics endeavor (and some of their releases have been excellent but... questionable) the entire production requires a moderate suspension of disbelief. The conductor, Hendrik Timmermann, is listed as "Director," which seems odd, immediately. But, ok. (Director might be the term applied to a musician/conductor, like Mozart.) Then we have the choral and orchestral forces simply listed (not by Amazon, incidentally, but on the front and back of the CD jewel box) as: Noordhollands Jongenskoor and Koorschool of the "Grote-of St. Laurenskerk," which we might take, liberally as: The North Holland Youth Chorus (or Choir) and Chorus School of the Saint Laurens Church. To conclude, four soloists are listed: Rob Petri, soprano; Jan Brink, countertenor; Robert Overpelt, tenor and Gerard Rooker, bass. [I name them because their work in the Requiem is superb and, although, unfamiliar to me, deserve credit.]



As I said, describing this Mozart Requiem as "uncanny" would be putting it mildly. But to get the full "flavor" of the performance, the eerie, palpable quality of it, you should really put on headphones.



When you do, you WILL be "there," front row, live; but you will be the ONLY one in the audience! This recording will make you feel as if you ARE at an actual performance (sans the coughing and sneezing): between movements/sections you'll hear the shuffling of chairs and feet, the turning of pages, the very atmosphere of the auditorium-- but all these sounds come from members of the orchestra and chorus! Not the audience. There is no audience... but you. Frankly, I find it rather thrilling.



And although not "perfect," it is truly a living, breathing performance. From the opening Introitus, with its premonition-like gravity that wells suddenly into the most heavenly choir of voices, to the rousing Dies Irae, through the heavy sorrow of the Tuba Mirum and, finally, to the uplifting and spiritually revelatory Sanctus, Benedictus and profoundly moving Recordare, THIS Mozart Requiem is a recording unique in every way, not that many will hear it. And that's a shame!



Because regardless of price, this Requiem has a "presence" that is undeniable. The orchestral forces offer crisply detailed playing, especially from the brass and, believe or not, bass kettle drums, and the choral work is wonderful, with particularly fine ensemble singing from the above-listed vocalists. [By the way, did I neglect to mention that this recording features an all-male entourage? Again, unique.]



If the ghost of Mozart didn't take part in this recording, I'd be very much surprised. Absolutely authentic-sounding, ethereal and majestic.



[Running time: 51:22]"

Decent performance, undecent sound quality

Vasile Andreica | Romania | 06/07/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not bad, but could be better. The best thing about this version is the atmosfere, the general feeling. It manages to feel the dark impress of this Requiem. Especially the "Tuba mirum", "Recordare", the terrific passage with words "ne perenni cremer igne". But the worst thing is the recording quality, which sounds like being caught at rehearsals or public concert, near the conductor. You can even hear his baton as prepares for the next part! But anyway, for this price is a decent recording."