Search - Mozart, Herreweghe, Orchestre Des Champs Elysees :: Requiem

Herreweghe does wonders for Mozart's Swan Song

Joseph A. Newsome | Burlington, NC United States | 05/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I approach any new recording of Mozart's perennially-mistreated "Requiem" with a blend of skepticism and pessimism. This recording, conducted by Phillippe Herreweghe, was a very welcome surprise. Herreweghe conducts with a crispness which highlights the tension with which Mozart infused this work. Some critics have stated that the "Requiem" is not Mozart at his best, but this recording certainly brings the work's many exceptional qualities to the attention of the listener. The soloists, including current English darling tenor Ian Bostridge, all contribute creditable renderings of their lines: if Edith Mathis (Bohm, DG), Marilyn Horne (Kertesz, Decca), Christoph Pregardien, and Nathan Berg (Christie, Erato) are not quite eclipsed, the slight discrepancies are easily forgiven in a performance of such genuine feeling. The real stars of this recording are the Orchestre des Champs Elysees and the combined La Chapelle Royale and Collegium Vocale, however. The orchestra executes the lyrical moments of Mozart's score with tenderness and provides glorious attack when the score becomes more demanding (i.e. the awe-inspiring "Dies irae"). The choirs work together beautifully, and their singing of both simple and complex counterpoint is quite impressive. The ethereal effect that they achieve in the "Lacrimosa" is breath-taking--not to mention that this level of dynamic achievement completely belies the fact that this is a "live" recording made in Montreux's Auditorium Igor Stravinski. With the incredible bargain price, this is an ideal recording for the new-comer to Mozart's final contribution to the sacred repertory or the seasoned admirer of the "Requiem." Extraordinary!"

Own Mozart's Masterpiece

Hohenzolern@aol.com | LA | 07/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"W.A. Mozart composed many great works- the piano concerti, the violin sonatas, his remarkable operas, his symphonies; but the Requiem is his one true masterpiece. In the cold Vienna winter of 1791, a dying Mozart leaves the world with one final piece of music he was born to do. The Requiem starts with a slow and dark Introitus, the highlight being the cries of "Lux Perpetua!" "Eternal light". Then the fire begins. The Kyrie is a fiery fugue of voices that reach heavenly climax. The Dies Irae is a fast, nearly demonic movement that speaks of judgement, the choral sounding themselves like avenging angels. The Rex Tremendae is equally as powerful. Confutatis is another dark glory. But after all the dark and ominous music, there is soothing hope of rest. The Lachrymosa is beautiful.. i'd play it at my own funeral ! And the rest is magnificent. The French choir may not be as good as others like the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, but i own a tape of the Requiem with Malgoire conducting.. excellent. Buy this and experience the final moments of the world's greatest composers."

Extremely fine recording

J. Luis Juarez Echenique | Mexico City | 04/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The sheer quality of the Collegium Vocale and the Orchestra of the Champs-Elysées would make this recording an obvious first choice, but Philippe Herreweghe's magisterial conducting sees wondrous things in this score that others miss. Mozart's divine last notes come off superbly well in this recording thanks to the sincere dedication of all concerned, no less Harmonia Mundi who provides an exemplary recording. Whatever you do, don't miss it!"