Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin Rundfunkchor Berlin Leenaars - Mass in E Minor - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

KammerChor Saarbr cken - Mass in E [COMPACT DISCS] date 01/13/2009

Composed in 1866 for the inauguration of a votive chapel in Linz Cathedral, Anton Bruckner's Mass no. 2 is a fine example of modernity blended with a centuries-old religious tradition, in that wind instruments are set in dialogue with choral writing inspired by Gregorian chant. Shorter in duration but scored for chorus and large orchestra with four soloists, his Te Deum of 1881 was acclaimed by such illustrious contemporaries as Hans Richter and Mahler, while the composer, usually very self-critical, opined that the score of this work would make God 'judge him kindly'. Like the eminent interpreter of the sacred repertory he is, Philippe Herreweghe here conveys with great fervor his vision of these two major religious works of the second half of the nineteenth century.

Three great choral and orchestral works of the 20th century are gathered together in outstanding interpretations on the new album from BR-KLASSIK Arvo Pärt's InchBerlin MassInch for choir and string orchestra from 1990, Francis Poulenc's InchStabat materInch for soprano, mixed choir and orchestra from 1950, and Igor Stravinsky's InchSymphony of PsalmsInch for choir and orchestra from 1930. The soprano Genia Kühmeier, the incomparable Bavarian Radio Chorus and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra - two undisputedly world-class ensembles! - under the direction of Mariss Jansons guarantee the highest listening pleasure. The Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, famed for his magical sounds, created his InchBerlin MassInch as a commission for the 90th German Catholic Convention in Berlin. It was premiered in 1990 for four mixed solo voices and organ. In 1997, Pärt reworked his Mass, written in the so-called InchTintinnabuliInch style, for choir and string orchestra. Francis Poulenc wrote his InchStabat materInch in response to the unexpected death of his friend, the artist Christian Bérard. Like other sacred works written after his visit to the Black Madonna of Rocamadour, where he found his Catholic faith, this one ranks among his most important compositions. Igor Stravinsky's well-known InchSymphony of PsalmsInch, a three-movement symphonic work for choir and orchestra, was written in 1930 as a commission for the Boston Symphony Orchestra. The unusual orchestration - with strong woodwind and brass, percussion instruments, two pianos and only the bass strings (violoncellos, double basses) without violins or violas - gives the work it's distinctive sound.