It was between this one and the Claudio Abbado version, which is more sedate and…well, mournful.
But the von Karajan is the one, nobody did Mozart like HvK. His mastery of the choir and preference tempo allows the piece to retain its main message, but brings an uplifting sentiment as well. And the Vienna Philharmonic knows its reputation is on the line every time they run a Mozart piece, they are perfection itself. And the Lacrimosa (23:47) got me doing just that last night.
Mortality is a tough moment, but it’s also something that ultimately should be celebrated.
Courtney Chamberlain, rest in peace.
