Giuseppe VERDI (1813-1901)
Messa da Reqiuem [89:28]
Barbara Frittoli (soprano); Olga Borodina (mezzo); Mario Zeffiri (tenor);
Ildar Abdrazakov (bass)
Chicago Symphony Chorus/Duain Wolfe
Chicago Symphony Orchestra/Riccardo Muti
rec. live, Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 15-17 January 2009
SACD issued as CSOR 901 1008
full track-list at end of review
CSO RESOUND CD CSOR 901 1006[48:08 + 41:20] 
Released in 2010, this CSO Resound recording of Verdi’s Requiem is
based on concert performances from January 2009 at Orchestral Hall (Symphony
Center)m, Chicago.
The discs set forth the first recording of the CSO under the direction of
its new director Riccardo Muti. They offer a vivid interpretation of this
familiar work which captures the dynamic character of the concerts while also
providing excellent sonics. A welcome addition to the discography of this
venerable work, the CSO recording is notable for the bringing out of details
of execution that set it apart from others.
The famous opening section of the Dies Irae is full of dynamic contrast,
from the thunderous percussion and brass playing to almost whispered choral
sounds. Such extroverted gestures stand in contrast to the sometimes chamber-like
solicitous treatment of the opening. In rendering such varied emotions, Muti
arrives at an interpretation that never treats the music passively. In bringing
this performance together he confers his sense of the wholeness of the piece
on the entire ensemble, orchestra, chorus and soloists.
As to the soloists, they equally strong in their abilities, with their distinctive
timbres used well. Barbara Frittoli soars when appropriate, and at the same
time works well with Borodina in the “Recordare” duet. In the same way, Mario
Zeffiri brings out the pathos of the “Ingemisco” section, with vibrato coloring
passages purposefully. In the trio “Quid sum miser” he blends well with Frittoli
and Borodina. The bass Ildar Abdrazakov is equally suited to his part, with
a dark timbre that is particularly effective in the “Confutatis” section of
the Dies Irae. The four soloists work together in ensemble in the “Domine
Jesu Christ” passage to bring the Dies Irae to its conclusion. The
duet between Frittoli and Borodina in the Agnus Dei is particularly
touching, with Borodina’s rich sound emerging well.
Through the recording, the CSO offers a warm, opulence that supports the voices,
as in the opening of the Offertorio and the Lux aeterna. At
the same time the CSO Chorus is impressive for its focus, unified diction
and solid intonation. The combined voices seem effortless. These aspects are
essential to the recording which is immediate and natural. In many ways the
forces involved encapsulate the style and meaning of the entire piece in the
final section, Libera me. It is among the finest passages of the recording.
Frittoli gives a sense of urgency throughout much of the section, a sense
that resolves at the conclusion. Along the way, the choral and orchestral
timbres support and delineate her text, as Verdi brings the Requiem
to a conclusion. The reprise of the Dies Irae brings a spirit of unity
again, with an edge to which Frittoli responds. This interaction contributes
to making this reading continually appealing.
Such appeal is apparent because of the power of the performances. This interpretation
has a sense of relevance arising from the manifest engagement of all concerned.
Within the continuous tradition of performance, this recording, with its fine
sound, excellent interpretation and abundantly apt musicianship, demonstrates
the appeal that Verdi’s Requiem continues to retain.
This is issued as a two-disc set with a generous booklet that contains the
full text and translation, as well as an interview with Muti and performer
details. Those familiar with the CSO may wish to add it to their own collections,
and those who prefer downloads will find that the CSO makes those available,
too.
Insightful interpretation and the intensity of a live performance enhance
the strength of this outstanding recording.
James L Zychowicz
Insightful interpretation and the intensity of a live performance enhance the strength of this outstanding recording.
Full Track-List
Disc 1: 48:08
1. Requiem and Kyrie 9:52
2. Dies irae 2:26
3. Tuba mirum 1:58
4. Mors stupebit 1:23
5. Liber scriptus 5:08
6. Quid sum miser 3:54
7. Rex tremendae 3:52
8. Recordare 4:21
9. Ingemisco 3:37
10. Confutatis 5:27
11. Lacrimosa 6:29
Disc 2: 41:20
1 Offertorio 10:47
2 Sanctus 2:35
3 Agnus Dei 5:43
4 Lux aeterna 7:00
5 Libera me 15:06