As Andy mentions in his precis above, this is not just another Verdi Requiem; rather it takes Verdi's score and subtly reimagines it as a cousin to one of the Bach Passions. It's not so much a matter of tempi, but of attitude and pacing. The Munich Bach Choir is devotional, not as Your-Life-Depends-On-It as an Italian or American choir might be. The four soloists are all, predictably, excellent (look at those names!), but they approach their work more clinically, less passionately, than their Italian counterparts. Bjoner is the most assured, soaring to huge high notes, and yet bringing refinement to her task (her "Libera me" shows her power and vulnerability). Töpper blends well with her in their important duets (they worked together often in Munich). Kmentt's first phrases are not encouraging (he doesn't sound quite warmed up), but he pulls himself together and offers a beautiful "Ingemisco", among other moments. Frick is still authoritative; his tone isn't quite as firm as it was (he was well over 60 by this time), but he provides a firm line. Richter was no Verdian and, to his credit, does not try to be. He leads a powerful performance that provides a worthy alternative to more Italianate interpretations.