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For its sheer power and its precise balance of the two visions (epic and personal) embodied in Verdi's masterpiece, this is the Requiem to have. It would be hard to quarrel with anyone who chooses Leontyne Price in the 1967 Herbert von Karajan recording over Angela Gheorghiu, or Luciano Pavarotti over Roberto Alagna; the differences are slight and a matter of personal taste. But this is the most intensely dramatic of Verdi's works, including no less a climax than the flaming end of the world, and Claudio Abbado treats the composer's vision even more powerfully than von Karajan, with a magnificent orchestra and chorus at his disposal. Von Karajan's soloists--all world-class and all in their best years--would be hard to surpass, but Abbado's are also excellent, and they sing with good tone and the kind of dramatic intensity demanded by Abbado--and Verdi. EMI's 16-page booklet sets a standard for the industry. --Joe McLellan
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