Haydn: Heiligmesse; Theresienmesse
On this CD:
1. Mass for soloists, chorus, organ & orchestra in B flat major ("Theresienmesse"), H. 22/12
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Dresden Staatskapelle
with Keith Lewis, Petteri Salomaa, Hansjurgen Scholze, Doris Soffel, Carol Vaness
Conducted by Neville Marriner
2. Missa Sancti Bernardi von Offida, for soloists, chorus, organ & orchestra in B flat major ("Heiligmesse"), H. 22/10
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Dresden Staatskapelle
with Keith Lewis, Petteri Salomaa, Hansjurgen Scholze, Doris Soffel, Carol Vaness
Conducted by Neville Marriner
Haydn: Heiligmesse; Theresienmesse, Music, Petteri Salomaa, Franz Joseph Haydn, Neville Marriner, Dresden Staatskapelle, Hansjurgen Scholze, Carol Vaness, Keith Lewis, Choral, Classical, Classical Music, Mass
Average customer rating:
- the grand experience wears thin
- In response to previous reviewer...
- Haydn for the new millennium
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Haydn: 6 Great Masses
Manufacturer: Philips
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Similar Items:
- Haydn: Die Schöpfung (The Creation) / Gardiner, The English Baroque Soloists
- Haydn: The Seasons
- Haydn: The "Sturm und Drang" Symphonies
- Haydn: Piano Trios (Complete) [Box Set]
- Beethoven - Missa Solemnis / Margiono * Robbin * Kendall * Miles * EBS * Gardiner
ASIN: B0000C41W5
Release Date: 2004-01-13 |
Customer Reviews:
the grand experience wears thin.......2006-06-22
I've listened to these particular performances of Haydns masses many times, at first I loved it. The masses sound grand and while it's fun at first it gets old. Many of the masses just sound the same, grand with trumpets, drums, yelling and lots of energy. There is not very many beautiful moments that you hear in other masses by other composers. Also, there is just too many weird surprises and changes in the music, one moment it will sound beautiful then there is a sudden change and it sounds grand and you lose the beatiful melody forever. I don't think it's the performers fault but the composers. I have other performances of music by Gardiner and they're good. I guess you will enjoy this better if you just take it one mass at a time, too much will just wear you out.
If you're just looking for lots of energy and a grand experiance you will like this. If you want something beautiful stay away, you're better off just buying a couple of the masses. Now you have another opinion.
In response to previous reviewer..........2006-03-26
Your ideas concerning the pronunciation of the latin refer to the German pronunciation of the text. Gardiner chose to utilize the Italianate pronunciation, which is certainly not "incorrect." The Italianate pronunciation is typically used in the Roman Catholic Mass, and these are most certainly Masses. Just wanted to clear that up.
In terms of the recording, I too shared some reservations, as I've been enamoured with Gardiner's rendition of the Verdi Requiem (though I think Abbado, on EMI, is more intense, and his soloists are superb), and extremely disappointed with his "performance" of Bach's St. Matthew Passion (that one seemed like he really had to use the bathroom, and wanted to wrap things up ASAP). However, this is quite a fine recording. The soloists are excellent, tempi are nice and brisk (though not rushed, as has often been the case in other Gardiner recordings), and it's great to have these six wonderful Masses together in one set. Though Bach's B minor Mass is THE supreme liturgical work, these Haydn creations are nothing short of extraordinary.
Haydn for the new millennium.......2004-11-18
I am not an unabashed supporter of John Gardiner and his period style with choral music from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. I enjoyed his versions of the Beethoven "Missa Solemnis" and Verdi "Requiem Mass" but did not enjoy his traversal of the Bach cantatas or Haydn's "Creation". This split decision left me wondering if purchasing this set would be wise.
Turns out it was very wise, indeed, for these are startlingly good performances of Haydn's "Big Six" masses -- the Harmony, Helig, Nelson, Creation, Theresa and Pauken (or kettledrum) masses. In these three disks, Gardiner, a group of now well-known soloists, the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists acquit themselves well across the board.
There is no mention in the notes or on the sleeve whether or not the soloists use period inmstruments. The strings sound good, not wiry as is often the case with period instruments. The singers consistently use vibrato.
The English notes to this set describe the history of creation of each mass and describe their musical progressions. There are no notes about the performers and arty pictures of Gardiner grace the front panel of cover of the booklet.
I think it is reasonable to call this a new millennium update of the famous Decca-London set from the 1960s by performers including Simon Preston and George Guest. Spiritually, the newer set is a natural upgrade informed by period style -- if not always performed in same -- and produced in 21st century DDD sound. The singers and orchestral members all perform wonderfully and Gardiner's direction is always appropriate with that little bit of reserve always apparent that separates the temperament of Haydn from that of Beethoven.
While there is no question this is a five star offering, I nevertheless have a few minor quibbles with it. The recordings are tastefully produced in modern natural style, which places the singers and chorus equidistant. I would have appreciated a bit more forward placement for the singers.
In addition, I would argue that the pronunciation of the Latin words suscipe and excelsis are incorrect. There are several ways to say suscipe and Gardiner apparently has chosen su-she-pay. I would argue su-see-pay is correct. The choristers and solosits regularly say eck-shell-sis instead of the correct eck-sell-sis, also. Finally, I would have appreciated a bit more embellishment of the timpani in the closing pages of the "kettledrum" mass. It is, after all, named after the instrument!
But these are minor reservations in a set that has all the qualities to be a classic for this age and hold steadfast in the top rung of Haydn masses for another quarter-century. Compared to the version I have heard by Richard Hickox, I would say this set is clearly superior in all ways. I heartily recommend this nicely-priced three disk set to anyone that wants to discover -- or rediscover -- the glories of Haydn's late masses.
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Haydn: Heiligmesse; Nelsonmesse; Kleine Orgelsolomesse; Theresienmesse
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
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Similar Items:
- Eric Whitacre: Cloudburst and other choral works
ASIN: B0007RO58E
Release Date: 2005-05-24 |
Tracks:
- Kyrie: Gloria
- Gloria In Excelsis Deo
- Gratias Agimus Tibi
- Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
- Credo In Unum Deum
- Et Incarnatus Est
- Et Resurrexit
- Et Vitam Venturi Saeculi
- Sanctus
- Benedictus
- Agnus Dei
- Dona Nobis Pacem
- Kyrie - Carolyn Watkinson
- Gloria In Excelsis Deo - Carolyn Watkinson
- Qui Tollis - Carolyn Watkinson
- Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus - Carolyn Watkinson
- Credo In Unum Deum - Carolyn Watkinson
- Et Incarnatus Est - Carolyn Watkinson
- Et Resurrexit - Carolyn Watkinson
- Sanctus - Carolyn Watkinson
- Benedictus - Carolyn Watkinson
- Osanna - Carolyn Watkinson
- Agnus Dei - Carolyn Watkinson
- Dona Nobis Pacem - Carolyn Watkinson
Tracks:
- Kyrie - Barbara Hendricks
- Gloria - Barbara Hendricks
- Credo - Barbara Hendricks
- Sanctus - Barbara Hendricks
- Benedictus - Barbara Hendricks
- Agnus Dei - Barbara Hendricks
- Kyrie
- Gloria In Excelsis Deo
- Gratias Agimus Tibi
- Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
- Credo In Unum Deum
- Et Incarnatus Est
- Et Resurrexit
- Sanctus
- Benedictus
- Agnus Dei
- Dona Nobis Pacem
Customer Reviews:
Haydn's MASS Appeal.......2006-03-09
The great Franz Joseph Haydn remains unquestionably one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music, having laid down the template for the forms of the string quartet, and perfecting the symphonic form a hundred and four times over. But "Papa" Haydn also was prolific in the area of sacred music, composing two great oratorios ("The Seasons"; "The Creation"), and a staggering fourteen settings of the Latin Mass.
Four of those settings of the Mass are to be found on this 2-CD compilation of recordings made back in the 1980s by Sir Neville Marriner and the Dresden State Orchestra (Staatskapelle Dresden), along with a cadre of vocal soloists, organist Hansjurgen Schloze, and the Leipzig Radio Chorus. The "Little Organ" (no. 7), "Heiligmesse" (no. 10), "Lord Nelson" (no. 11), and "Theresiemesse" (no. 12), are all given impassioned and towering performances, especially given the fact the size of the orchestra is not much larger than that of the composer's symphonies (no trombones; mostly strings, timpani, and trumpets), other than the obvious addition of the organ.
Barbara Hendricks is the vocal soloist in no. 7, while Carol Vaness (soprano), Doris Soffel (contralto), Keith Lewis (tenor), and Petteri Salomaa (bass) are the soloists for nos. 10 and 12, and Margaret Marshall (soprano), Carolyn Watkinson (contralto), and Robert Holl (bass) join Lewis on no. 12. Marriner, the great founder of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and the first music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, leads the Dresdeners, their Leipzig colleagues, and this assembly of great vocalists through some of the greatest sacred music ever written. This 2-CD set is strongly recommended for any classical fan, especially if choral and/or sacred music is their favorite classical genre.
Average customer rating:
- Great Stuff !!
- Broad and solid
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Haydn: Masses
Franz Joseph Haydn , Neville Marriner , Barbara Hendricks , Carol Vaness , Keith Lewis , Petteri Salomaa , Margaret Marshall , Carolyn Watkinson , Robert Holl , Doris Soffel , Dagmar Schellenberger , Rundfunkchor Leipzig , Staatskapelle Dresden , Hermann-Christian Polster , and Hans Jürgen Scholze
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn
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ASIN: B000002SCJ
Release Date: 1997-02-18 |
Tracks:
- Kyrie
- Gloria In Excelsis Deo
- Gratias Agimus Tibi
- Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
- Credo In Unum Deum
- Et Incarnatus Est
- Et Resurrexit
- Et Vitam Venturi Saeculi
- Sanctus
- Benedictus
- Agnus Dei
- Dona Nobis Pacem
- Kyrie
- Gloria In Excelsis
- Qui Tollis
- Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
- Credo In Unum Deum
- Et Incarnatus Est
- Et Resurrexit
- Sanctus
- Benedictus
- Osanna
- Agnus Dei
- Dona Nobis Pacem
Tracks:
- Kyrie
- Gloria
- Credo
- Sanctus
- Benedictus
- Agnus Dei
- Kyrie
- Gloria In Excelsis Deo
- Gratias Agimus Tibi
- Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
- Credo In Unum Deum
- Et Incarnatus Est
- Et Resurrexit
- Sanctus
- Benedictus
- Agnus Dei
- Dona Nobis Pacem
Customer Reviews:
Great Stuff !!.......2002-02-12
Neville Marriner has been criticised for his fast tempi but I think his conducting of these four Haydn masses is very good indeed. It has great energy and sense of purpose. The singing is also very good here. I especially like Robert Holl's solid and full basso in the Nelson Mass. You can pay a lot more and get a lot less.
Broad and solid.......2000-09-21
One of my first experiences with classical music concerts was a performance of Haydn's "Creation" conducted by Neville Marriner. From this concert I had the impression that Marriner has a faible for rather fast tempi - as far as classical choral works are concerned, but I have to revise this opinion.
Sure, in this collection of four masses by Haydn there are also some speedy movements, and often the interpretation feels "right" concerning the speed and rhythm. I have the impression that this is especially valid for the first two featured masses (Heiligmesse, Nelsonmesse) where I have no comparison to other recordings or notes. The second pair of masses (Kleine Orgelsolomesse, Theresienmesse) are played often in very broad tempi (e.g. the Kyrie in the Orgelsolomesse) that make it sometimes difficult to follow the flow of the music.
Besides these details, the interpretation of the joint forces of the Rundfunkchor Leipzig (pronouncing the Latin text in the way it is customary in Germany), the Staatskapelle Dresden, and various soloists is full of rhythm and is "leggiero" (sometimes the latter is somewhat missing with the soloists). Also the technical aspects of the recording are solid, though maybe not excellent.
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Haydn: Heiligmesse; Theresienmesse
Manufacturer: Capitol
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Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B00000DNJ5
Release Date: 1993-01-12 |
Average customer rating:
- Thank you, Haydn
- GLORIA !
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Haydn: The Masses
Manufacturer: Decca
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ASIN: B0000042DO
Release Date: 1997-06-24 |
Tracks:
- Missa 'Rorate coeli desuper' - H XXXII 3: Kyrie - Gloria - Credo - Sanctus - Benedictus - Agnus Dei
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Kyrie - Kyrie eleison
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Kyrie - Christe eleison
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Kyrie - Kyrie eleison
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Gloria In Excelsis Deo
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Laudamus te
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Gratias agimus
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Domine Deus
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Qui tollis
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Quoniam
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Cum Sancto Spiritu - Credo
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Credo in unum Deum
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Et incarnatus est
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Crucifixus
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Et resurrexit
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Sanctus
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Benedictus
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Agnus Dei - Agnus Dei
- Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Agnus Dei - Dona nobis pacem
Tracks:
- Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Kyrie
- Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Gloria
- Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Credo
- Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Sanctus
- Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Benedictus
- Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Agnus Dei
- Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Kyrie
- Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Gloria
- Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Credo
- Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Sanctus
- Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Benedictus
- Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Agnus Dei
Tracks:
- Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Kyrie
- Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Gloria
- Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Credo
- Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Sanctus
- Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Benedictus
- Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Agnus Dei
- Heiligmesse: Kyrie
- Heiligmesse: Heiligmesse - 2 Gloria
- Heiligmesse: Heiligmesse - 3 Credo
- Heiligmesse: Heiligmesse - 4 Sanctus
- Heiligmesse: Heiligmesse - 5 Benedictus
- Heiligmesse: Heiligmesse - 6 Agnus Dei
Tracks:
- Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Kyrie
- Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Gloria
- Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Credo
- Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Sanctus
- Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Benedictus
- Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Agnus Dei
- Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Kyrie
- Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Gloria
- Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Credo
- Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Sanctus
- Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Benedictus
- Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Agnus Dei
Tracks:
- Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Kyrie - J. Haydn
- Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Gloria - J. Haydn
- Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Credo - J. Haydn
- Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Sanctus - J. Haydn
- Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Benedictus - J. Haydn
- Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Agnus Dei - J. Haydn
- Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Kyrie - J. Haydn
- Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Gloria - J. Haydn
- Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Credo - J. Haydn
- Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Sanctus - J. Haydn
- Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Benedictus - J. Haydn
- Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Agnus Dei - J. Haydn
Tracks:
- Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Kyrie
- Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Gloria
- Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Credo
- Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Sanctus
- Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Benedictus
- Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Agnus Dei
- Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Kyrie
- Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Missa in tempore belli - 2 Gloria
- Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Credo
- Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Sanctus
- Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Benedictus
- Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Agnus Dei
Tracks:
- Missa in angustiis: Kyrie
- Missa in angustiis: Gloria - Gloria in excelsis Deo
- Missa in angustiis: Gloria - Qui tollis peccata mundi
- Missa in angustiis: Gloria - Quoniam tu solus sanctus
- Missa in angustiis: Credo - Credo in unum Deum
- Missa in angustiis: Credo - Et incarnatus est
- Missa in angustiis: Credo - Et resurrexit
- Missa in angustiis: Sanctus
- Missa in angustiis: Benedictus
- Missa in angustiis: Agnus Dei
- Missa in angustiis: Agnus Dei - Dona nobis pacem
Customer Reviews:
Thank you, Haydn.......2001-06-01
Like many of the London/Decca box sets, this is an amazingly well-produced effort: By disk 3, the joy and spirit of "Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Marae" and the "Heiligmesse" are literally rocking the cathedral. The power and beauty of "Missa Sancti Nicolai" and "Theresienmesse" continues on disk 4. Unlike other recordings, the organ does not overwhelm, but enhances each work. The artists are superb, and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the Fields doesn't disappoint. Take your pick; there's a favorite piece for everyone.
GLORIA !.......2000-06-11
I'm absolutely astounded to find myself the first person to review this superlative box set.I can only presume that those people who bought it through Amazon,are desperate to keep their newly acquired treasures to themselves,or they have subsequently expired through sheer musical pleasure! I,on the other hand wish to shout it from the rooftops that in this collection you will encounter some of the most joyous,exuberant,heart-rending,soul-easing and heaven-storming music ever conceived by man.
The main problem I'm faced with in this review,is how to communicate,in my amateurish,faltering fashion just what an embarrasment of riches are contained within these seven discs.I would kill for the loquacity and erudition of a musicologist, at this point in time,but my poor reader will simply have to make do with blind enthusiasm instead! To start,I'll pass by the earliest of the masses:however,that's not to say they aren't worth hearing.They contain many fine(if brief) moments of inspiration,and are well worth your time in giving them a run through.But I feel it is in the ST.NICHOLAS mass that Haydn begins to really flex his muscles.It has a sweetly plangent and pastoral feel to it,and from the touching little kyrie (mirrored by the Dona nobis pacem),to the exquisite writing for the soloists in the Crucifixus,it is instantly memorable,and would make a good place to start on your musical journey.Then comes the MARIAZELLER mass,which I feel is the true precursor of the later truly symphonic masses of Haydn's astonishing "Indian summer".Perhaps now and then it doesn't really command the listener's attention entirely as a piece of music,but this performance makes the best case possible for it,and is thoroughly enjoyable.The "LITTLE ORGAN MASS" also demands a little forbearance here and there,but the reward is in getting to the charming Benedictus with it's solo for soprano and organ (hence the name of this mass)Jennifer Smith is in beautiful voice here,and John Scott does the honours for the organ. So,we come to the first of the "big six":The PAUKENMESSE,It's here that Haydn's fusion of the symphony and the liturgy reaches perfect symbiosis,and if anyone reading this is completely new to this music;then let me warn you now,that seldom afterwards will you encounter another experience in life as exciting and fulfilling,as when you first discover these glorious "late" masses of Haydn's.From the very opening bars of the Paukenmesse's Kyrie,you are immediately swept along in the irresistible flood of his inspiration,and some 40 minutes later you are thrown gasping back to dry land by the concluding,brilliantly martial dona nobis pacem.And what beauty was encountered mid-stream!Not least of which is that gorgeous cello and horn accompaniment of the bass in the Qui tollis section of the Gloria.This is where the recording qualities really come to the fore,and apart from one exception,are a real distinction of the series.That exception,I'm afraid to say is the NELSON mass,which to my mind suffered from been recorded away from the auspices of St.John's and George Guest.Don't get me wrong,I'm not criticising the musical forces involved-they are uniformly excellent,but honestly,I really can't live with that wooly,distant soundstage.I'd much rather reach for the outstanding reading under Trevor Pinnock,or the latest worthy rival by Richard Hickox.And that,is basically the only disappointment I wish to register about the whole project. Next we come to the HEILIGMESSE,and here is a mass setting of truly sustained and unalloyed magic.I would single out the Benedictus as a mini-masterpiece in it's own right.It begins with some lovely writing for the strings followed by the most extraordinary rising,rising canon which culminates in a spine-tingling ecstatic climax. The THERESIENMESSE ,I judge to be perhaps my favourite of the six,and I'm only sorry that the 1000 word limit of this review forbids me expounding upon it's glories in full.Suffice to say it features some of Haydn's most perfectly integrated passages for orchestra,soloists and choir,and like the Heiligmesse,has a Benedictus to die for. The SCHOPFUNGSMESSE(sorry German speakers,I couldn't find an umlaut on my keyboard!)doesn't perhaps sustain the terrific brass and timpani driven impetus of the Kyrie and Gloria,but for all that it's still astonishing that Haydn's well of inspiration proves as inexhaustible as ever in this his penultimate mass. And so we come to that ultimate mass:The HARMONIEMESSE.It's ineffably touching that this is Haydn's last major composition,and despite that it feels in no way valedictory,and in no sense do you get the impression that his compositional skills are on the wain.Far from it, in fact it displays all the hallmarks of a master at the height of his powers.It might be revealing, that here the Agnus Dei is the most supplicatory,and prayerful of all his masses,but rest assured, no way is Haydn going out without a fight,and to that end the Dona nobis pacem (grant us peace)I'm quite sure is his way of demanding:"Grant us peace God,or by Heaven I'll come up there myself, and give you a damn good thrashing! ) Haydn used to end the manuscripts of his masses with the words,"Laus Deo" or "Praise God".Yes indeed,but I say praise Haydn immediately afterward,and then all the superb musicians and recording personnel involved in this landmark project.It's a tremendous contribution to civilisation as a whole,and although it may seem a tired old reviewer's cliche to say that if you buy this boxset,it will bring you a lifetime's listening pleasure.Well,take my word for it,this particular boxset WILL.
Music Review:
- Haydn: Schöpfungsmesse; Kleine Orgelsolomesse
- Hindemith: Mass,etc.
- Ich Liebe Dich Nicht: Anita Ammersfeld Singt Kurt Weill
- Johann Sebastian Bach: The Concertos for Two Harpsichords (BWV 1060-1062) - Bob van Asperen / Gustav Leonhardt / Melante Amsterdam
- Josef Suk: A Summer's Tale, Op.29
- L'Ensemble de Trombones de Paris
- L'Héritage d'Arturo Toscanini - Cycle Ludwig van Beethoven Vol. 3 - Symphony No. 6 "Pastorale"; Egmont Overture Op. 84; Coriolanus Overture Op. 62; Fidelio Overture Op. 72c
- L'Héritage De Willem Mengelberg
- L'Héritage de Willem Mengelberg
- La Livre du Labyrinthe
Music Review
music review
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