'The choral singing.....had tremendous force and clarity, even when Noseda, in his quest for almost frenzied immediacy, adopted speeds that were close on breakneck. Thrilling, even dangerous stuff, and absolutely outstanding.'

Tim Ashley, The Guardian, 28 April 2009 - 5 stars

"The Philharmonia Chorus was superb throughout and the amplified ghosts were truly cacophonous."

Kevin Rogers, www.classicalsource.com

Kelly Nassief (soprano), Samuel Pisar (narrator), Trinity Boys Choir, Philharmonia Chorus, Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Axelrod

'There are many choirs that declare themselves to be great. The Philharmonia Chorus need not declare; they simply are.' - John Axelrod

"...Maazel's clarity of direction and long-sighted view of the work drew the best from a rigorously trained Philharmonia Chorus.
Theirs was the might and the power to move: in the easeful breathing of the opening blessing for those who mourn, and on to the powerful shifts of tempo and pacing as they sang of withering grass and fading flowers."

Hilary Finch, The Times, 1.7.2008

“Riccardo Muti has become a rare visitor to London, but this quite exceptional performance of Verdi's Messa da Requiem, with the cathedral providing an added sense of occasion, showed what this country's musical life has been missing. Not since Carlos Kleiber's last performances here has there been conducting of such imperious intensity as Muti brought to Verdi's masterpiece. There was something memorably awesome about the swirling waves of compound sound rolling down the nave in the climaxes...
“This performance belonged to Muti. His grip was total. He asked for and received every ounce of effort from his massed forces.”

Martin Kettle, Guardian, 19.3.07