Of the three recordings I know of the Levin completion of Mozart's Requiem (the others being MacKerras and Pearlman) this particular one has to be the most convincing to me.
It is understated but still appropriately weighty. A live recording commemorating the World Trade Center/Pentagon disaster of September 11th, 2001, Labadie's rendition really does pack an emotional punch than most recordings currently on market.
Unlike the Pearlman recording, this present one is done on modern instruments although the dynamic featured Violons du Roy play in period style-- crisp, pure, without vibrato. It really makes this one unique. For example, listen to the fugue, "Quam olim Abrahe" as the violins place that stacatto on the first and third beats of their baroque-inspired ostinatos. It is not often that a recording of Mozart's Death Mass sound as new and fresh as this.
The soloists are likewise excellent.
The Levin completion is second my favorite (my absolute favorite being the Duncan Druce reworking). Druce's changes might be over-the-top for many listeners, but to most, Levin's is the closest to perfection as one can get. While I like Druce's completion of the Benedictus far more (it sounds like real Mozart!), Levin's is just fine. His "Amen" fugue is also the most satisfying.
I would reccommend both this recording and the one under the baton of MacKerras. The Pearlman might sound to light and airy for many (the ending to the Kyrie is far to fast.) I would also urge you to listen to the only recording of the Druce version under Roger Norrington on the Virgin Verital label, although the tempi could use slowing in some parts, it is still a very engaging listen.
