Verdi’s Requiem is a work of white-hot dramatic intensity, infused with his lifetime of composing opera. His approach to religion is explosive, emotional and full of temperament and fear, the latter being wonderfully conveyed by López-Cobos in this concert performance.

All forces give thrilling performances and the electrifying Dies Irae is a barnstorming triumph. The quartet of soloists delivers moments of calm prayer, for example the exquisite Recordare for soprano & mezzo duet, though all in all this is music to lift the spirit and raise the pulse.

The Orchestra is equal to the task with ravishing orchestral playing. The brass playing for the introduction to the Tuba mirum is expressive beyond words, managing to maintain a beautiful tone while effecting a wonderful crescendo; and in the opening bars of the Liber scriptus the unity in the string playing is rarely heard as good as it is here on studio recordings, let alone a live concert recording.

This recording was made mid-way through Jesús López-Cobos’ tenure as Principal Guest Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra (1981-1986).

Recorded live at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, London, on 24 April 1983.