Bernstein's recording of the Verdi Requiem has long been a part of his legacy and is still available on Sony CDs. This recording represents the unedited broadcast and, as such, is not as smooth sonically as the official release. Yet because this was all taken from one uninterrupted performance there is slightly more fire, more urgency than what comes across on the Sony discs.Corelli was to have been the tenor soloist, but he cancelled and a young tenor named Domingo was brought in to replace him (he made his Met debut replacing replacing Corelli too). All four soloists are extremely good. They listen to each other and blend beautifully; the Recordare duet for the soprano and mezzo is one of the highlights of the performance. All are memorable in their solo moments as well. The choir is superb with a bass section that really delivers the goods in the Dies irae. The orchestra responds to Bernstein's somewhat idiosyncratic leadership with intense playing. The famous American maestro pulls the tempi about here and there and chooses some very quick tempi (the Sanctus!), but brings Verdi's masterpiece to life. The sound is good, if a bit boomy because of where it was recorded (St. Paul's Cathedral). There are a few one second blips in the sound source on disc two, but they do not get in the way of enjoyment.Verdi fans should have this.

This was a great Messa da Requiem which I enjoyed very much. Sound is good also.