What better way to celebrate the Verdi centenary than with some "new" music by this great composer? Well, new to modern listeners at any rate. This disc contains world premiere recordings of five early Verdi sacred works recently discovered by professor Dino Rizzo. Verdi composed the two Tantum ergo settings (in F and G major), Laudate pueri, and the Qui tollis from 1829 to 1832 while an apprentice to, and collaborator with, Ferdinando Provesi, a church organist in Busseto (Verdi's hometown). Messa solenne was composed in 1833 during a period of study in Milan.

There is little in these works that hints at the composer we know from the later operatic and sacred masterpieces. More often, it is Rossini that comes readily to mind in the more inspired passages, of which there are (for Verdi) relatively few. The Libera me is an early version (composed for the Messa per Rossini) of the concluding movement of the famous Requiem (the latter being a considerably more thrilling experience, though the first version is dramatically effective, especially as sung by Cristina Gallardo-Domâs). The 1880 Pater noster and Ave Maria were meant to be played together as one continuous piece to heighten the sonic and expressive contrast between the solo and choral performing forces. It is a deeply felt work, infused with that warm nobility characteristic of its composer. Riccardo Chailly and his assembled forces offer enthusiastic readings of the unknown works, and fresh and vibrant ones of the more familiar. With fine sound from Decca, Verdi completists have much reason to rejoice.

--Victor Carr Jr.