Based on the previous reviews, I bought this cd. I had first heard this Requiem as a live small ensemble performance, and then purchased the full, Romantic-scored, de los Angeles version, which wasn't too bad. I also listened to the Kathleen Battle on DG version, which I didn't like so much because of its pondorous tempo. This Naxos release is, as mentioned, a much purer, less bombastic performance, and more moving because of it. The balance of instruments, vs organ, vs voice is excellent (in the other recordings mentioned, the organ gets swallowed up), and the voice quality of the soloists is fantastic. I especially liked the bass-baritone. Highly recommended.