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I've decided that recordings featuring a combination of exclusively 5- and 1-star ratings are the ones to seek out. If an interpretation does not raise some hackles, ruffle some feathers, and stoke strong emotions, it's probably not a bold enough artistic interpretation for it to communicate anything new. And for a performance/recording of the "standard" Süßmayr edition in particular, Currentzis' offering is one of a surprising few that delivers on all these counts.
I find this interpretation phenomenal. As a conductor myself, I'll say: I don't agree with every interpretive decision he makes (viz., tempo in the "Confutatis"). However, that's not my job. Rather, to assess: does he communicate the music? The answer is a resounding YES. Is it egotistical, pointing not outwardly beyond the music, but only back to himself? Absolutely not. It is sensitive, dramatic, and dare I say even prayerful. Here Mozart's funeral mass is sung and played with the fervour of a believer.
Kermes' beautiful, supple soprano is but the first of many high points on this recording. Finally! A soprano with a period-appropriate tone, sensitivity, and interpretation. These are all too few and far between. The other soloists are equally strong. Stephanie Houtzeel offers soothing relief to the parade of plummy, wooly, hooty Wagnerian Altos who crowd the catalogue in these recordings. The Choir is beyond critique.
The instrumental forces are crisp, clear, and biting. Perhaps a bit Beethovenian for some tastes, but they're an energising revelation to listen to. The timpani are particularly fierce, escorting the soul on its journey beyond the grave.
The boldest move comes at the "Lacrymosa," where Currentzis (unique among current offerings on record, I believe), includes the *incomplete sketch* of the Amen fugue as Mozart left it (and Süßmayr avoided it) on the heels of the Lacrymosa, accompanied by sacristy bells, which will not be to everyone's taste, but I find to be quite poignant and moving. Other highlights include the fiery Offertory and the solemnly penitential Agnus Dei.
If you're looking for your first or only recording of the Mozart Requiem, this would perhaps not be my first recommendation – but I would also not reject it. However, if you're looking for a companion album to a more "standard" interpretation of the "standard" version/completion of this work, you need look no further than this one!
Top reviews from other countries
F. Cliente Amazon
Da ascoltare senza preconcetti.
Reviewed in Italy on August 3, 2019
F. Cliente Amazon
Reviewed in Italy on August 3, 2019
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Sven Severin
Endlich ein "gestaltetes" Requiem!
Reviewed in Germany on July 20, 2018