Giacomo Puccini: Messa di Gloria

On this CD:

1. Mass for tenor, baritone, bass, chorus & orchestra in A flat major ("Messa di gloria")
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Performed by Gurzenich-Orchester with Cologne Kantorei, Altenberg Cathedral Choir, Thomas Dewald, Ulrich Hielscher

Giacomo Puccini: Messa di Gloria, Music, Ulrich Hielscher, Giacomo Puccini, Volker Hempfling, Altenberg Cathedral Choir, Kölner Kantorei, Gürzenich-Orchester, Köln Mitglieder des Gürzenichorchesters, Thomas Dewald, Choral, Classical, Mass
Puccini: Messa di Gloria/Preludio Sinfonico/Crisantemi - Roberto Alagna, Thomas Hampson, Antonio Pappano, London Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
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    Puccini: Messa di Gloria/Preludio Sinfonico/Crisantemi - Roberto Alagna, Thomas Hampson, Antonio Pappano, London Symphony Orchestra & Chorus

    Manufacturer: EMI Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    1. Wagner: Tristan und Isolde [Includes Bonus DVD]

    ASIN: B000GEU6E0
    Release Date: 2006-08-01

    Tracks:

    1. Preludio Sinfonico
    2. Kyrie
    3. Gloria In Excelsis Deo- Et In Terra Pax - Laudamus Te
    4. Gratias Agiumus Tibi
    5. Gloria in Excelsis Deo - Dominus Deus, Rex Coelestis
    6. Qui Tolis Peccata Mundi -
    7. Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
    8. Cum Sancto Spiritu In Gloria Dei Patris - Gloria In Excelsis Deo Credo
    9. Credo In Unum Deum
    10. Et Incarnatus Est
    11. Crucifixus Etiam Pro Nobis
    12. Et Resurrexit Tertia Die - Et In Spiritum Sanctum
    13. Et In Unam Sanctam Catholicam -
    14. Et Exspecto Resurrectionem - Et Vitam Venturi Saeculi
    15. Sanctus, Sanctus Sanctus. Dominus Deus Sabaoth
    16. Benedictus Qui Venit In Nomine Domini
    17. Agnus Dei
    18. For String Orchestra
    Puccini: Messa di Gloria: Preludio sinfonico; Capriccio sinfonico
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Puccini: Messa di Gloria: Preludio sinfonico; Capriccio sinfonico

      Manufacturer: Erato
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

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      1. Puccini - Messa di Gloria / Carreras · Prey · LPO · Scimone

      ASIN: B00006I4B4
      Release Date: 2003-02-18
      Puccini - Messa di Gloria / Carreras · Prey · LPO · Scimone
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Wow! Puccini is honored by Prey and Carreras and Scimone!
      Puccini - Messa di Gloria / Carreras · Prey · LPO · Scimone
      Giacomo Puccini , Claudio Scimone , José Carreras , Hermann Prey , London Philharmonia Orchestra , and Ambrosian Singers
      Manufacturer: Erato
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      1. Puccini - Messa di Gloria / Alagna, Hampson, Pappano
      2. Puccini: Messa di Gloria: Preludio sinfonico; Capriccio sinfonico

      ASIN: B000005ECY
      Release Date: 1994-09-06

      Tracks:

      1. Messa di Gloria: Kyrie
      2. Messa di Gloria: Gloria
      3. Messa di Gloria: Credo
      4. Messa di Gloria: Sanctus
      5. Messa di Gloria: Agnus Dei

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Wow! Puccini is honored by Prey and Carreras and Scimone!.......2001-04-30

      Ok, I'm not sure but I think that this is only the second 5 star review I've given out. Maybe the third. I really need to review my own reviews. Ok, who cares, lets get to the point of this review. Question: "Is this a must buy version of Messa di Gloria"?. Answer:" You bet it is".

      Now let's totally forget for a moment that Jose Carreras is the tenor soloist in this piece. Ok, Ok, thats impossible but if it were you'd be focusing on the chorus and the conductor first and then probalbly the soloist, provided that he's at least decent, next. Great credit should therefore be given by Claudio Scimone and the Ambrosian Singers and the Philharmonia Orchestra. My favorite from them is what they do with 'Gloria'. I've tried to sing along but umm....without the music in front of me....yeah right.

      Jose Carreras is not likely to be unknown to us after all, he is in that "group of opera guys" as some of my friends who never listen to classical music refer to the Three Tenors. LoL. I cant say enough of how he brings the right touch to these ever delicate solos. I should also aknowledge Prey for his part in this great music as well. Hmm....so Puccini started writing this Mass at the ages of 17 and 18 huh? That is talent for you then. Buy this version of Messa di Gloria.
      Make A Joyful Noise
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        Make A Joyful Noise

        Manufacturer: Sony
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        Puccini: Messa di Gloria; Preludio Sinfonico; Crisantemi
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Price for Value
        Puccini: Messa di Gloria; Preludio Sinfonico; Crisantemi

        Manufacturer: Naxos
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

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        ASIN: B00005Y0MJ
        Release Date: 2002-02-19

        Tracks:

        1. Kyrie Eleison
        2. Gloria In Excelsis
        3. Gratias Agimus Tibi
        4. Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
        5. Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
        6. Cum Sancto Spiritu
        7. Credo In Unum Deum
        8. Et Incarnatus Est
        9. Crucifixus
        10. Et Resurrexit
        11. Sanctus
        12. Benedictus
        13. Agnus Dei
        14. Preludio Sonfonico
        15. Crisantemi (Alla Memoria De Amadeo De Vavoia Duce D'Aosta)

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Price for Value.......2005-03-05

        I really think this is the best rendition of the Messa di Gloria that you have. Somehow, the other versions either drag or the solo voices don't compliment one another.
        Puccini - Messa di Gloria / Alagna, Hampson, Pappano
        Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
        • A New Addition to My Favorites List
        • Close but no bass
        • Astounding!
        • A GLORIOUS ALBUM
        • Early but by no means lesser Puccini
        Puccini - Messa di Gloria / Alagna, Hampson, Pappano

        Manufacturer: EMI Classics
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

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        ASIN: B00005KGZQ
        Release Date: 2001-09-11

        Tracks:

        1. Andante Mosso
        2. Kyrie
        3. Gloria: Gloria In Excelsis Deo - In Terra Pax - Laudamus Te
        4. Gratias Agimus Tibi
        5. Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Dominus Deus, Rex Coelestis
        6. Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi -
        7. Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
        8. Cum Sancto Spiritu In Gloria Dei Patri - Gloria In Excelsis Deo
        9. Credo In Unum Deum
        10. Et Incarnatus Est
        11. Crucifixus Etiam Pro Nobis
        12. Et Resurrexit Tertia Die - Et In Spiritum SAnctum
        13. Et Unam Sanctam Catholicam
        14. Et Expecto Resurrectionem - Et Vitam Venturi Saeculi
        15. Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth
        16. Benedictus Qui Venit In Nomine Domini
        17. Agnus Dei
        18. Crustantemi For String Orchestra (Andante Mesto)

        Amazon.com

        Roberto Alagna and Antonio Pappano are two-thirds of the EMI triumvirate (corresponding member, Angela Gheorghiu), which has done well by Puccini on previous discs. Although this one steps outside the operatic canon into the lesser margins of the composer's output, it's all done so eloquently you forget how undistinguished the material sometimes is. Pappano and the London Symphony Orchestra are clearly in the middle of a love affair and seem to understand each other's every move. Alagna sails through his three sections, making slightly heavy weather of the "Gratias with worrying signs of a widening vibrato, but happy enough in the oddly amiable Agnus Dei" duet with Thomas Hampson. Ffor a good example of the current all-round health of the LSO after several years of conservative core-repertory craft under its chief conductor, Colin Davis, listen to how beautifully the strings phrase the enlarged string quartet movement Crisantemi, which, together with the Preludio sinfonico, makes a welcome filler. --Michael White

        Customer Reviews:

        4 out of 5 stars A New Addition to My Favorites List.......2007-02-19

        I have recently discovered this work and how delighted I am that I did! This music is very appealing. How could it not stir ones very soul? I think this is the third rendition I have heard and the quality of interpretation and performance is superb. The soloists are outstanding. Only the quality of the recording is somewhat lacking.

        3 out of 5 stars Close but no bass.......2005-08-20

        My only complaint is that the bass solo "Crucifixus" is done without a bass soloist. That is, it is sung by all the basses, which I don't think is very effective. It makes the climaxes rather unclimactic and I think the peice would be much more dramatic and effective with a solo voice.

        5 out of 5 stars Astounding!.......2002-07-21

        What a surprisingly good album! It begins with 8 minutes of contemplative and heartbreakingly beautiful music in the 'Preludio sinfonico'. Even though it was written while he was still a student, Puccini's talent for rendering exquisite turns of phrase is clearly evident. It's climax transports the listener to the same secret and elusive place as that of his best arias. It is a perfect teaser opening for the mass that follows. The 'Kyrie' is somber, serious and powerful - even Beethoven would have been proud. The 'Gloria' is youthful and exuberant. Roberto Alagna's solo "Gratias agimus tibi" although not as supple as you would like, has such an ingratiating melody that you cannot help but be swept up in it. The chorus carries the next section "Qui tollis peccata mundi" away like a grand and glorious Verdi march. The 'Credo' is both solemn and tender. Thomas Hampson is a perfect choice for his feather light 'Benedictus'. My praise goes on and on. This disc is a great glimpse into the early Puccini. A man with with a supreme ability to write for voice(s) and an uncanny ability to capture your imagination aurally.

        5 out of 5 stars A GLORIOUS ALBUM.......2001-12-23

        With this glorious CD music lovers have an opportunity to revel in non-operatic Puccini works - the Messa di Gloria and two rather esoteric, but nonetheless stunning, orchestral pieces, "Preludio Sinfonico" and "Crisanterri." Among Puccini's earlier pieces, they are prelude to his later compositions.

        Often described as the London Symphony Orchestra's "secret weapon," conductor Antonio Pappano is a sublime interpreter of Puccini. Soloists for this album could not be more splendid - tenor Robert Alagna, and vaunted baritone Thomas Hampson.

        Conductor and singing super stars are a dynamic trio who have rendered an incomparable recording, richly textured with dramatic voice.

        5 out of 5 stars Early but by no means lesser Puccini.......2001-10-17

        Since so many of Giacomo Puccini's most popular operas have had endless recordings released on CD, it is a delight to see the release of some non-operatic works and comparative rarities. Two of the pieces were written while he was a student at the Milan Conservatory, the 'Messa di Gloria' when he was 22 and the 'Preludio Sinfonico' when he was 24. These are by no means inferior works. The beginnings of the 'Puccini style' are already evident here, and although he is borrowing some ideas from other composers, he is also making them his own. If a twenty-something composer with a tenth of the young Puccini's talent came along today, it would be considered absolutely miraculous.

        It certainly doesn't hurt that the young Puccini has such an ardent and sympathetic champion as Antonio Pappano. As he proved in the recording of 'La Rondine' he conducted, he has the gift of making 'minor' Puccini sound like major Puccini. He is the finest conductor this composer has had in at least 20 years, and is well on his way to genuine greatness. He has a very strong rapport with the London Symphony Orchestra, and is that rare conductor who can keep a tight rein on proceedings without damping expression or individuality. Not only am I eager to hear his upcoming 'Tosca' recording with Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna, I cannot wait to hear him conduct purely symphonic, non-vocal repertory.

        It is no surprise that one of Puccini's first compositions was a mass, since he came from a very long line of church composers. The 'Messa di Gloria' is a somewhat grandiose misnomer for this piece - Puccini himself referred to it as the 'Messa di Quatro Voce' ('Mass for Four Voices'). While I admit to being no expert, I think this is one of the 'lightest' settings of the mass I have ever heard. The overall feeling is of tenderness (especially in the 'Kyrie') warmth, and cheerfulness, although there are some moments of high drama in the 'Credo'. I also noticed that the 'Sanctus' is a bit more subdued than in other composers' settings. Obviously, Verdi is a major influence here. At its climax, the 'Gloria' sounds like a lighter, jollier version of the 'Dies irae' from his 'Requiem'. The 'Qui tollis' reminds one of first of the 'Miserere' and then 'Va, pensiero', and the bass choral part with horns that begins 'Et expecto resurrectionem' is identical to the opening chords of 'Rigoletto'. And Puccini later recycled melodies from this work into some of his operas - the 'Kyrie' into 'Edgar' and the 'Agnus Dei' into the 'Madrigal' in 'Manon Lescaut'. I do think that the 'Agnus Dei', and the work as a whole, ends a bit abruptly. Still, I think the 'Messa di Gloria' deserves more performances, and I hope to sing it myself one day.

        The London Symphony Chorus does a splendid job. Roberto Alagna and Thomas Hampson also do fine work in their solos and the 'Agnus Dei' duet, Alagna's melancholy heroism contrasting with Hampson's sweet elegance. However, I think Alagna's approach is a bit heavy for the cheerier sentiments of this piece, notably 'Gratias agimus tibi', and it might have worked even better with a brighter, more lightweight tone. He is also not entirely comfortable with some of the upward and downward octave leaps, and I suspect a few small things (including some minor mispronunciations) could have been corrected with more recording time. Perhaps I am being overly picky about what is basically a very good performance, but because I have such a high opinion of Alagna, especially under his 'musical brother' Pappano, I expect to be dazzled.

        Even more valuable than the mass itself are the two 'bookends' which the rival recording on Erato does not include. It does not hurt that Pappano works some major wonders with the LSO string section. The 'Preludio Sinfonico', which is actually the loveliest work on the disc, is a deeply moving piece of nostalgia, and this team brings out all its sweetness and warmth. It reminds me a little of the intermezzo from 'Cavalleria Rusticana' at the beginning, but there are also echoes of the 'Lohengrin' overture, and the liner notes suggest Massenet's 'Esclarmonde', which I am not familiar with. The main melody, however, is definitely Puccini. Only the rather abrupt buildup to and letdown from the climax might possibly signal this as a student work, and Pappano softens the edges of this to the point where it isn't that noticeable. 'Cristantemi' is the most 'mature' selection on the disc, very dark and melancholy. It was written when Puccini was 32 (he claimed in one night), as an elegy for a man he admired. And we have another theme that gets recycled into 'Manon Lescaut', this one for the dying Manon in Act IV. Although this final version is for string orchestra, Pappano gives it the grace and delicacy of the string quartet it originally was.

        The documentation includes an essay on the works, full texts (although the line 'sub Pontio Pilato' is missing from 'Crucifixus') and translations, all in French and German as well as English, plus photos of Alagna and Hampson. Unfortunately no biographies of any of the artists, and the cover photograph isn't entirely flattering to Pappano, who is actually quite a nice-looking fellow.

        Unfortunately, I will forever have an association with this music and this CD that I hope no one else will ever have - it is what I was listening to when I found out about the destruction of the World Trade Center. But music has extraordinary healing power, and this CD is playing a major part in my emotional recovery, particularly the sweet, yearning strings of the 'Preludio Sinfonico'. For this, I will always be grateful to Maestro Pappano and his forces, and, of course, to Giacomo Puccini.
        The Very Best of Puccini
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          The Very Best of Puccini

          Manufacturer: Naxos
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

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          ASIN: B000B6N668
          Release Date: 2005-10-18

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          11. Prelude To Act III
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          Puccini: Mass in A flat; Preludio sinfonico in A
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Puccini: Mass in A flat; Preludio sinfonico in A

            Manufacturer: Bongiovanni
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
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            HymnsHymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
            MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000006P55
            Release Date: 1999-02-15

            Tracks:

            1. Prld Sinfonico in A - Cappella 'S. Cecilia' Della Cattedrale Di Lucca-Orch Lirico Sinf Del Teatro Del Giglio/Gianfranco Co
            2. Ave Maria - Mauro Buda
            3. Qui, Tollis, Qui Sedes E Quoniam - Giorgio Casciarri
            4. Salve Del Ciel Regina - Shan Wang/Emilio Maggini
            5. Vexilla (Regis Prodeunt) - Mauro Buda/Giorgio Casciarri/Giogrgio Fazzi
            6. Messa Di Gloria: Kyrie - Cappella 'S. Cecilia' Della Cattedrale Di Lucca-Orch Lrico Sinf Del Teatro Del Giglio/Gianfranco Cos
            7. Messa Di Gloria: Agnus Dei - Mauro Buda/Giorgio Casciarri
            8. Mottetto Per San Paolino - Mauro Buda
            Giacomo Puccini: Messa di Gloria
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Giacomo Puccini: Messa di Gloria

              Manufacturer: Motette Records
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              All Works by PucciniAll Works by Puccini | Puccini, Giacomo | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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              ASIN: B00005YAG5
              Release Date: 1995-01-31
              Puccini: Messa di Gloria Preludio Sinfonico; Crisantemi
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Puccini: Messa di Gloria Preludio Sinfonico; Crisantemi
                Antonio Pappano
                Manufacturer: EMI
                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
                ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
                ASIN: B000FTCLOY
                Release Date: 2006-07-10

                Tracks:

                1. Preludio Sinfonico
                2. Kyrie/Gloria
                3. Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Et In Terra Pax - Laudamus Te
                4. Gratias Agimus Tibi
                5. Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Dominus Deus, Rex Coelestis
                6. Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
                7. Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
                8. Cum Sancto Spiritu In Gloria Dei Patris - Gloria In Excelsis Deo CREDO
                9. Credo In Unum Deum
                10. Et Incarnatus Est
                11. Cruxifixus Etiam Pro Nobis
                12. Et Resurrexit Tertia Die - Et In Spiritum Sanctum
                13. Et In Unam Sanctam Catholicam
                14. Et Exspecto Resurrectionem - Et Vitam Venturi Saeculi
                15. Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth
                16. Benedictus Qui Venit In Nomine Domini
                17. Agnus Dei
                18. Crisantemi For String Orchestra

                Music Review:

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                4. Great European Organs No. 16
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                6. Inbal Segev
                7. Kancheli: Symphonies 1 and 7/Liturgy
                8. Live at Vatnajökull
                9. Lloyd Webber: Organ Works
                10. MacDowell & Griffes, Vol. 3

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