BRAHMS, J.: Deutsches Requiem (Ein) (Lott, Wilson-Johnson, London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra, Hickox)

This reissue is a moving experience in itself, and not only for returning to the catalogue a superlative recording of Brahms's masterpiece, not the best known at the time of its release in 1991, but also for the exceptional soloists, majestically accompanied by Hickox and his LSO and Chorus. Gramophone praised the ''fine soloists'', especially the ''resonance and ease'' of the bass-baritone, David Wilson-Johnson. The review also acclaimed the ''sheer generosity of style and sound'' as well as the choir and orchestra, ''excellent and well-balanced, both in themselves and with each other''. Overall, the ''Hickox gives a remarkably satisfying performance''. Despite its large-scale conception, Brahms's Requiem remains the product of a very private world, the personal communication of the philosophy of one man, ''such a great soul - and yet he doesn't believe in anything'', as Dvorak once remarked.