Less well known than the Requiems of Mozart and Verdi, Donizetti’s Messa di Requiem in D minor was composed to mark the death of Vincenzo Bellini. The Sicilian composer had died prematurely in 1835 in France, where the two were on tour with old and new operas arranged for the local audiences. The work is infused with a deeply felt spirituality that reveals Donizetti's feelings of sincere admiration and friendship. Unfortunately Donizetti himself did not live long enough to hear his work performed. The Messa di Requiem was premiered only in 1870 in Bergamo, in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, where Donizetti is now buried.

This release was recorded in that same location. All the performers received very positive reviews, including tenor Juan Francisco Gatell who sings the famous Ingemisco aria with an excellent use of mezzevoci and coloratura.