Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bruno Weil, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra :: Mozart: Requiem

One of the best

janus_kreisler_sachs | the Midwest, USA | 05/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First, for those of you who are curious about the Landon edition (used in this recording), it incorporates completions by Eybler and Freystädtler (two contemporaries of Mozart) in the movements which they attempted to complete (mainly in the Sequence), and employs the familiar Süssmayr completions in the remaining incompleted movements. The result is actually not that different from the all-Süssmayr version we usually hear today. Perhaps the most notable difference is that Eybler and Freystädtler show more restraint in using trumpets and drums (unlike Süssmayr, who overuses them), but that is more in keeping with Mozart's practice of reserving those instruments for important structural points.As for this recorded performance -- it is no doubt one of the finest. Weil seems to have an affinity with Mozart and Haydn, particularly the choral works (he has recorded some of Haydn's masses and "The Creation", amongst other things), and it shines through in this recording. Tempi are a little on the brisk side, but they certainly don't bother me (I prefer them to old fashioned Karajan goo). Both the orchestra and chorus are astoundingly clear (all the counterpoint is very audible) yet also intensely expressive. The orchestra has that raw bite of period orchestras (helped by lively articulation). The Tölzer Boys Choir is surprisingly weighty and full, belying the common belief that boys choirs in general are cute but breathy, almost wimpy. This stands with Gardiner's recording (Philips) as one of the best of those that employ period instruments (though the Gardiner CD has the advantage of having the remarkable Kyrie in D minor K. 341 (K. 368a) as a filler). Those who seek a performance with modern instruments might want to check out Marriner's (also on Philips), though be warned that the sound quality on that CD is not top-notch."

First-rate

Ben | America | 12/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bruno Weil's recording of Mozart's Requiem grabs you by the emotional throat and doesn't let go. If I could give it six stars, I would. Here's why.First, unlike in other recordings, the drums are closely miked, adding much-need darkness and gravity to what is, after all, a death mass. Curiously, most conductors (e.g., Karajan) drown out the sound of the drums.Second, the tempi are relatively fast, but they do not sacrifice clarity or spirituality. Admittedly, some of those who are used to hearing the Requiem played at the traditionally glacial tempi might be startled at first.Third, the soloists are superb, their voices are well contrasted, and they are slightly operatic without drawing too much attention to themselves. Tenor Joerg Herring, in particular, is quite extroverted compared to Francisco Araiza in Marriner's oft-recommended 1991 recording of the Requiem. As for the boys' choir, it sings like angels and avoids sounding like an undifferentiated blob.If you're looking for Mozart's Requiem, get this one."

An excellent perfomance

rajt | Meadowbank, New South Wales Australia | 01/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have many different recordings of the Requiem, but this is one of the finest among them. It even surpasses the Gardiner version (available on Philips). This is a HIP version of the great work, but those who crave modern instrument versions need not worry as it is very easy on the ear. Very intense."