Davis duplicates, and maybe betters, one of his early triump
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/24/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In the LP era the young Colin Davis made his name with two composers, Mozart and Berlioz, bringing vigor and insight to both. His reputation for Berlioz has remained strong over the years, eclipsing his Mozart. But anyone old enough to remember his outstanding Requiem on Philips from the late Sixties will be excited by this new one in concert with the London Sym. It has all the dynamism that made the original so refreshing -- up to that point, most versions of the Mozart Requiem were ponderous and churchy.
NOt only is Davis as good as ever, but his soloists -- all unknown to me -- are first rate, surpassing the period singers who dominate the scene now. These are distinctly operatic voices, in keeping with Davi's overall intent, which is more theatrical than sacred. The chorus is alert and vital sounding, as is the LSO, and the on-site recording by the orchestra's house engineers is fine. In all, if you are a traditionalist or simply favor confident experience, the octogenarian Davis will provide unalloyed pleasure and a grateful reminder of glory days that are not past at all. ."
Exciting, Memorable Mozart Requiem from Soloists, Sir Colin
John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 08/25/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In old age Sir Colin Davis continues demonstrating why he remains one of our foremost conductors. Having heard him conduct in recent seasons the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, I have been amazed by his startlingly fresh, vivid interpretations of music composed by the likes of Mozart and Sibelius among others. Now, in his latest LSO Live recording, Davis turns again to the Mozart Requiem, accompanied by a stellar cast of young soloists, the London Symphony Chorus and the London Symphony Orchestra in a recording compiled from two live performances in late September and early October of last year. This is yet another memorable performance, notable for its sumptuous sound and brisk tempi (The sound quality is exemplary courtesy of LSO Live producer James Mallinson's superlative sound engineering.). The London Symphony Orchestra offers yet another compelling performance under the baton of its former music director - now President - of this orchestra. While a trifle fast, Davis' probing, and exhilarating, interpretation merely accentuates the foreboding sense of mortality that confronted Mozart as he composed his very last piece of orchestral music. Royal Academy of Music-trained Swedish soprano Marie Arnet leads a quartet of four young British-trained vocalists whom I have not heard of before, but whose excellent singing merely warrants attention as singers destined to have great careers in many of the world's opera houses and concert stages. This excellent recording is highly recommended as a premier choice for anyone seeking a fine recording of the Mozart Requiem, especially from one of our greatest Mozart interpreters; Sir Colin Davis himself.
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Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
