Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem – review

Does the world need another recording of Brahms's German Requiem? A glance at Amazon shows there are dozens available, from big, broad Karajan and the Berlin Phil to finely focused Harry Christophers and the Sixteen. Yet John Eliot Gardiner convinces us that there is room for one more, even of a performance he and his garlanded choir gave four years ago at the Usher Hall, Edinburgh. The choral ensemble is superb; intonation perfect. Gardiner's instrumentalists' meticulous attention to authentic performance style adds a further dimension to a glorious reading of this beautiful piece. Highly recommended.