Requiem [Hybrid SACD]

While this recording is first-rate in terms of technical quality, the muscial performance is lacking. The SACD is clear and wide-ranging. All the instruments and voices are easily distinguished. The problem is that the weight of this work is never heard, almost as if the orchestra is afraid of showing any force. The percussion try, but the brass are especially 'nice' and always sound reserved. One never hears the anger, attitude, or magnitude required to convey the power of this music. I would recommend the recording of Davis with the London Symphony that is recently available from Pentatone on SACD. It is an older recording that is incredibly updated to sound as good as this one, but with more power, emotional exploration, and maturity.

Most classical music fans probably already have a favorite recording of the Berlioz Requiem in their collection, but perhaps not yet an SACD version. I would suspect this would be a good one to purchase for those with surround systems. Although I listened in 2.1 stereo, I was impressed by the sonics, and by the performance, and I would imagine this recording would be a real humdinger when heard through a good surround system.

In the days of LPs, this work would be spread over two discs, and many audiophile would listen only to the first LP, which would contain the spectacular Dies Irae movement, which back when I was an audio store cowboy was quite a favorite for demonstrating audiophile equipment. The Requiem is a long work (more than 77 minutes in this performance) that can seem like a lot of work to sit through, but which does provide some passages of great beauty. Still, it is not something to which most listeners will want to listen to often.

But if you have not yet encountered this magnificent work, or if you are still looking for a definitive recording,
either stereo or surround, it would be hard to do much better than this new Telarc release. Both the sonics and the performance are strong and clear; the extensive liner notes are a welcome bonus.

I have been collecting SACD records for some time now and found many of Spano's recordings to be excellent. In particular, his Vaughan-Williams Sea Symphony in Atlanta had the majesty, warmth and affection of a recordings by English masters such as Barbirolli and Boult. This particular performance sounds earthbound, unspired. The recording even in SACD surround is tight and dry. Most unpleasant to listen to in the big moments. The many classic recordings by Colin Davis, Charles Munch and Charles Dutoit are significantly better, and the Davis is available in surround sound from pentatone in SACD format. It still sounds great even though recorded in the late 60s.