Verdi"s late masterpiece is a titanic explosion of dread and hope requiring world-class singers, a virtuoso orchestra, and a sympathetic conductor. This classic performance, recorded in 1940, meets more of those stringent mandates than most of its rivals. Ebe Stignani and Ezio Pinza have never been equaled, Beniamino Gigli"s tenor is melting, and Maria Caniglia"s high-powered dramatic soprano completes the best foursome on records. Conductor Tullio Serafin, usually the perfect Verdian, stints on the devotional aspect of the score and risks a speeding ticket in the rest, and the chorus is mushy. But who cares with solo singing of this caliber? Still my favorite Requiem.--Dan Davis