Listen to a Sample:
Pros:
- One of Herbert von Karajan's greatest skills was his ability to assemble first-rate casts of singers that compliment and balance each other. Here we have one of the finest quartet of singers I have heard in any Verdi Requiem with top marks going to the ethereal Renata Scotto. And although each singer gets a chance to shine, the most remarkable moments come in the Offertorio where the level of awareness to ensemble would rival some of the best madrigal choirs out there.
- Christa Ludwig, Carlo Bergonzi and Nicola Zaccaria round out the cast.
Cons:
- There is fair amount of microphone noise, although the sound is otherwise relatively clear.
- The "Ingemisco" is missing from the recording as well as the beginning of "Lux aeterna".
In Stereo
OD 11798-1