Giuseppe Verdi, himself an honored patriotic figure, held the poet Alessandro Manzoni in the highest of esteem. The great Requiem mass, as superb and typical as any of his operas, was composed by Verdi in memory of "Il Santo Don Alessandro".

This live recording from the world's greatest arts festivals features Claudio Abbado, internationally acclaimed as one of the finest conductors of the day, who studied at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi, conducting the London Symphony Orchestra and the Edinburgh Festival Chorus. A rare gathering of four of the world's most distinguished singers sets the scene for an unforgettable performance of one of the most dramatic Requiem Masses.