Search - Britten, Gardiner, NDR Symphony Orchestra :: War Requiem

Harrowing Anti-war Statement

B. R. Merrick | 10/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Britten was a known pacifist, and his paean to the memory of a once-great cathedral in Coventry stands as one of the greatest works of art of the second half of the twentieth century. I normally avoid any and all live recordings out of disgust for audience noise, and the desire to hear perfection achieved (or as close as I can get) from an ensemble spending days in the studio. This live recording is astounding. There is not one note out of place, not one percussion stick accidentally dropped, not one coughing, sneezing audience member; the fact that this was recorded in a cathedral might lead the listener to anticipate too much reverberation, but every technical aspect of this recording matches the playing and singing. The soprano is strong; the baritone is sturdy. The tenor is passionate and note-perfect. The choir and orchestra are in synergy throughout. And last, but certainly not least, the boys' choir provides the necessary ghost-like haunting with their harmonium accompaniment. I have been through many recordings of this piece, most of them forgettable. After all these years, I still cannot find a single thing wrong, not one aspect diminished or out-of-place, with this CD. This is the one to own."

Way down on the list

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 09/24/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Nothing here is all that good--the sound is skimpy and wiry, the provincial German forces have no idea of Britten style, and Gardiner himself doesn't hold a candle to Britten, Giulini, Rattle and other greater condcutors doing this masterpiece. A miss al around."