Track Listing

1. Requiem in D Minor: I. Introitus - Requiem
2. Requiem in D Minor: II. Kyrie
3. Requiem in D Minor: III. Sequenz - 1. Dies Irae
4. Requiem in D Minor: III. Sequenz - 2. Tuba Mirum
5. Requiem in D Minor: III. Sequenz - 3. Rex Tremendae
6. Requiem in D Minor: III. Sequenz - 4. Recordare
7. Requiem in D Minor: III. Sequenz - 5. Confutatis
8. Requiem in D Minor: III. Sequenz - 6. Lacrimosa
9. Requiem in D Minor: IV. Offeratorium - 1. Domine Jesu
10. Requiem in D Minor: IV. Offeratorium - 2. Hostias
11. Requiem in D Minor: V. Sanctus
12. Requiem in D Minor: VI. Benedictus
13. Requiem in D Minor: VII. Agnus Dei
14. Requiem in D Minor: VIII. Communio - Lux Aeterna

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #46170 in Music
• Released on: 1989-07-20
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .24 pounds

Amazon.com
As with his performance of the Mass in C Minor with these same forces, Leonard Bernstein provides another outstanding performance, certainly one of the very finest available of this oft-recorded music. Without indulging in the sort of Romantic mannerisms that sometimes afflict his Mozart, Bernstein urges his Bavarian forces on to heights of passion and intensity that never upset the music's natural proportions. A magnificent disc. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Powerful requiem...but...
Mozart's requiem mass is one of the most sad, yearning, powerful pieces of music ever written. In this particular performance, Bernstein conducts in typical fashion, bringing power and emotion to this incredible Mozart masterpiece. If you want a great performance that draws out all the intense feelings of anxiety, depression, and fear from this piece, then this recording is for you. It is definitely one of my favorites. Unfortunately two flaws, which are important in my opinion, prevent me from giving this recording 5-stars. First off, the voices are too loud, so loud that at some points the orchestra is almost obscured. Sure, the voices are the central focus of the piece, but the orchestral score is essential for setting the mood, and a few times the chorus is just too overpowering. Second, the tempos are a bit sluggish, probably not as Mozart would have wanted. I am one who personally prefers quicker tempos for music of the classical period, because it gives it a more authentic flair. This is otherwise a great recording, but for other great ones also try one of Karajan's and the new one from teldec and the Boston Baroque.

Bernstein thumbs his nose at "period" performances
This is a wonderful disc, but if you like "period" recordings, this is not the disc to buy. Unlike period performances Bernstein uses a large orchestra and the tempi he chooses are significantly slower than any other recording I've heard. But what stays with me about this performance is the emotional tension he draws from everyone involved. It is very involving for the listener and the electricity of a live performance also comes through.

Maybe the best available
This recording is one of the most exciting and emotional performance of Mozart's Requiem I have heard, maybe better than the Bohm's one, with the VPO in 1971 (an excellent performance also). The Introitus and the Lacrimosa are amazing, wonderful, and the very slow tempo Bernstein chose increases infinitely the tension, the drama, and brings you to the top of emotion.

Simply marvellous.

A must for all the music lovers and a excellent choice to compare with Bohm or Karajan.