A line-up like this is hard to come by for the Verdi Requiem, however, despite the glittering quartet of soloists the driving force of this evening is the masterful conducting of Carlo Maria Giulini. Giulini was a master of Verdi and was able to find the elusive balance between lightness of touch and declamatory power which not only alternate but at times exist simultaneously as incongruous as that might seem. Joan Sutherland is the obvious standout of the cast of soloists and is near ideal in conveying both the ethereal, heavenly quality of the Agnus Dei as well as the desperate quality of the Libera me. Fiorenza Cossotto is also quite good as the mezzo soloist and Ivo Vinco brings elegance and power to the bass solos.