Verdi: Requiem
Rene Fleming, Olga Borodina, Andrea Bocelli, and Ildebrando D’Arcangelo, with Valery Gergiev, Kirov (Mariinsky) Orchestra and Chorus
Philips
I’ve listened in depth to recordings by Gardiner, Gergiev, Hickox, Karajan, Ormandy, Shaw, Solti, and Pappano (the newest, Nov. 2009), and none of them are 100% satisfying. But Gergiev’s comes the closest. His only weak point is the opening movement—don’t let it put you off!
The orchestra, chorus, and engineering are superb. Gergiev’s pacing generates both excitement (the “Dies Irae” is thrilling, the “Sanctus” an absolute knockout) and prayerful attention to the texts, especially with this quartet of soloists, whose gorgeous blend is the best on record. Also, they’re free (except for Bocelli) of the “swooping up to pitch” mannerisms heard on other recordings. Each is outstanding (Bocelli is better as a partner than as a one-timbre-suits-all soloist), but Renée Fleming is truly incomparable. In the final “Libera Me,” she will make all activity—driving, work at home or office—come to a halt; even atheists will tremble, fear, and believe with all their heart that eternal rest will be given. It’s one of the most ineffable moments ever recorded.
Two other recordings deserve mention: Georg Solti’s on Decca and Herbert von Karajan’s on Deutsche Grammophon (1984, digital). Both conductors lead the Vienna Philharmonic and Vienna State Opera Chorus with a charismatic authority even Gergiev doesn’t have. Solti’s soloists are the biggest stars: Sutherland, Horne, Pavarotti, and Talvela, and the engineers gives everyone full dramatic presence. But Sutherland struggles occasionally, and Solti emphasizes drama, almost ignoring the texts. Von Karajan does the opposite, emphasizing the meaning of the texts as the drama gradually lessens. Engineers make Karajan’s female soloists (Tomowa-Sintow and Baltsa) sound too remote, though Carreras and the stunning Jose Van Dam sound fully present. To my tastes, both conductors impede the flow too often; the opposite is Gergiev’s greatest strength. Nonetheless, both Solti and Karajan are much more riveting than any of the others.
