JONAS KAUFMANN AND DANIEL BARENBOIM JOIN FORCES FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL REQUIEM: In 1874, Giuseppe Verdi presented his Messa de requiem at Teatro alla Scala in Milan. In 2012, on the same stage, Daniel Barenboim conducts this masterpiece for his first recording as music director of the Milan opera house. This version brings together an ideal cast, with the indispensable German tenor Jonas Kaufmann, as well as soprano Anja Harteros, mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca and bass René Pape. Daniel Barenboim’s conducting highlights the contrasts and power of the work, while the Scala Orchestra choir and the soloists deliver an exceptional performance, praised by critics. Elina Garanáa is “mesmerizing,” Anja Harteros “makes the final movement the most sublime of death scenes” (The Times). As for Jonas Kaufmann, “his warm, velvety timbre makes him exceptional in Verdi. Kaufmann’s talent proves that [.] today’s stars can make his work their own with authority” (The Telegraph).