Verdi’s requiem mass written to commemorate the first year anniversary of the death of the novelist Alessandro Manzoni is one of the peaks of Western Civilization. The video below was made more than forty years ago. It features Sopranos Jessye Norman and Margaret Price, tenor Jose Carreras, and bass Ruggero Raimondi. The London Symphony Orchestra and and Edinburgh Festival Chorus were under the direction of Claudio Abbado. Norman was a renowned dramatic soprano who sang the mezzo part during this outing.

The performance is outstanding, rising to the standard set by Arturo Toscanini and Georg Solti. Luckily, it was preserved in pristine condition. All concerned were at the top of their game.