Missa

On this CD:

1. Missa O sacrum convivium, for 5 voices
Composed by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

2. O sacrum convivium, motet for 5 voices (from Motets Book II for 5, 6, & 8 voices)
Composed by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

3. Coenantibus illis, motet for 5 voices (from Motets Book II for 5, 6, & 8 voices)
Composed by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

4. Magnificat, Tone 6, (even) for 6 voices (undated, H xxvii 202)
Composed by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

5. O Sacrum Convivium, for 5 Voices
Composed by Cristobal de Morales

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Of the more than 100 Masses attributed to Palestrina, fewer than two dozen exist on recordings; this is the only version of the Missa O Sacrum Convivium. Based on a motet by Spanish composer Cristobal Morales, who spent most of his career in Rome during Palestrina's years there, this Mass is a perfect example of how the composer used thematic material from another source and made it completely his own. The disc also includes Morales's original motet alongside Palestrina's own famous motet to the same text. The choir of 16 boys and 12 men--the same configuration as when led by John Taverner in 1526--is one of the finer cathedral choirs in England (with unusually young-sounding trebles!), and its vast experience with polyphonic music is evident here. The acoustic lends warmth and spaciousness to the sound, but obscures some of the interior lines. --David Vernier

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op.67: Napoleon Shells Vienna
Fur Elise: Childhood Dreams
Symphony No. 3 In E-flat Major, Op. 55: Ludwig And Julia At Schonbrunn Palace Gardens
Piano Sonata No. 14 (Quasi Una Fantasia) In C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': Julia And Her Father Secretly Watch
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastoral': Ludwig And Caspar Fight
Piano Trio No. 4 In D Major, Op. 70 No. 1 'Ghost': Ludwig Consols Anna Marie
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 61: The Beethoven Brothers In Baden
Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': A Concert For Lichnowsky
Piano Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major, Op. 73 'Emperor': The Letter
Missa Solemnis In D Major, Op.123: The Funeral
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: Karl At The Ruins
Violin Sonata In A Major, Op. 47 'Kreutzer': The Carriage Stuck In The Mud
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: The Night Of The Premiere

Customer Reviews:

Below Average Beethoven Performances.......2007-03-10

It is unfortunate that they chose Solti's direction for the symphonic pieces in this soundtrack as he is simply one of the worst conductors for Beethoven. His direction is so slow one would think he is leading a funeral procession instead of music inspired by the French Revolution.

Of all old school directors such as Karajan, Toscanini, etc., Solti's performances are simply morbidly slow to the point of killing the grieving attendants with boredom. The cacophony of the oversized orchestra doesn't help either. Solti's interpretations are even too slow for a requiem. You think a regular interpretation of the 7th's second movement is slow? Wait 'til you hear this one; you're going to need a massage you'll be so stiff. The 9th symphony march is supposed to be a brisk revolutionary march calling the citizens to arms and to join the militia marching through a town. With Solti you imagine only a funeral procession coming through the town. In the Fifth the whole orchestra is almost struggling to slow down to match the strings. Karajan's interpretations are not particularly fast either but at least he breathes some life into them and the orchestra. I personally like Toscanini in terms of the old 20th century symphonic conductors and Gardiner's traditional interpretations that are at least at a correct speed and give the listener the impression they are marching off as part of a revolutionary batallion to bring liberty to the oppressed instead of being rolled to the morgue. Beethoven was a revolutionary anti-monarchist and strongly supported the idea of political change. Although Periah is a great pianist for Beethoven's concertos, there are simply better performances by him that fortunately aren't conducted by Solti such as on Sony with Bernard Haitink and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The same goes for the performances with Axe and Yo-Yo Ma. Gidon Kramer's performance for the Violin Concerto in D is also mediocre at best: there are better violinists out there than Kremer for Beethoven.

This is just not the best CD to get quality performances of Beethoven's works. Overall, Solti's interpretations are simply too sluggish and indecipherable to represent the ideals of Beethoven's music. Solti would definitely be my last choice for anything. You won't lose anything by not buying this soundtrack that's for sure: Solti's interpretations are so slow they will simply fossilize you.

Immortal beloved film.......2007-02-06

having watched a recording of Immortal beloved for a number of years the tape was past its best. now that i have the chance of ordering on line i did , and a good move it was. It was nice to see the film and things so clear, i had not see before, the writing on the love letter at the begining and tears that was shed. Iam very pleased with the dvd.

Living Perfection.......2007-01-14

This is one of the most perfect CDs I own, it's one I come back to time and time again. The recording quality is excellent - even on the cassette, which I've finally replaced after 12 years - but even better, the musical interpretation is splendid. Anyone who thinks that classical music is no longer relevant in our culture needs to buy this CD.

A wonderful tribute to the artist.......2005-05-25

This CD is perfect in my opinion. The recording is perfect, the pitch is perfect, the tempo is perfect, and the track selections are perfect. I think the album samples Beethoven's most remarkable pieces of work from his early years to his death. I have heard many recordings of the Ninth symphony that was just executed poorly; which is a shame because it is such a powerful piece. However, this album does it superbly. Sir Georg Solti and Murray Perahia did an amazing job with this album.

The album just flows really well from one piece to the next evoking a vast array of emotions along the way. Beethoven is timeless and forever will be. There is no comparison even to this day. This a wonderful tribute to the artist.

Very emotional and moving!!.......2005-05-23

I am a big fan of classical music. Beethoven, in my opinion, was one of the best composers, Mozart 1st, Beethoven 2nd, etc. This album is very moving and filled with emotion. I am currently listening to Adagio Cantabile-from Piano Sonata No. 8-from the film album. This piece is so moving and emotional. Another piece was Moonlight Sonata which I especially liked. Beethoven loads this piece with love and emotion for his one true love. In my opinion, Beethoven was the best at writing emotional and moving music. Whenever I listen to his music, I am immersed in a world of emotion and feeling. His music is truly beautiful. Back to the album, Sir Georg Solti really captured Beethoven's genius and devotion to his music in this album. This album really accents the film. You cannot have one, you must have both the film and the soundtrack. This is a must have for classical music/Beethoven fanatics and people who want to get a great summary of Beethoven's genius. BUY THIS!!!!

Little Night Music - Ultimate Mozart Collection [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Collection
Celebrate Mozart's 250th at a Budget Price

Little Night Music - Ultimate Mozart Collection [20 CD Set]

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00012QLTG
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Tracks:

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525: Allegro - Herbert Kraus, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525: Romance. Andante - Herbert Kraus, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525: Menuetto. Allegretto - Herbert Kraus, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K.525: Rondo. Allegro - Herbert Kraus, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Divertimento in D, K.136: Allegro - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.136: Andante - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.136: Presto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in B Flat, K.137: Allegro Di Molto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in B Flat, K.137: Andante - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in B Flat, K.137: Allegro Assai - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in F, K.138: Allegro - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in F, K.138: Andante - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in F, K.138: Presto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in E Flat, K.113: Allegro - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in E Flat, K.113: Andante - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in E Flat, K.113: Menuetto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in E Flat, K.113: Allegro - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V

Tracks:

Serenata Notturna in D, K.239: Marcia. Maestoso - The Berlin Chamber Orchestra, Peter Wohlert
Serenata Notturna in D, K.239: Menuetto - The Berlin Chamber Orchestra, Peter Wohlert
Serenata Notturna in D, K.239: Rondeau. Allegretto - The Berlin Chamber Orchestra, Peter Wohlert
Divertimento in D, K.131: Allegro - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.131: Adagio - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.131: Menuetto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.131: Allegretto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.131: Menuetto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.131: Adagio- Allegro Molto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.205: Largo-Allegro - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.205: Menuetto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.205: Adagio - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.205: Menuetto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V
Divertimento in D, K.205: Finale. Presto - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V

Tracks:

Symphony No. 34 in C, K.388: Allegro Vivace - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 34 in C, K.388: Andante Di Molto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 34 in C, K.388: Finale. Allegro Vivace - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 35 in D, K.285, Haffner: Allegro Con Spirito - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 35 in D, K.285, Haffner: Andante - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 35 in D, K.285, Haffner: Menuetto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 35 in D, K.285, Haffner: Presto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 36 in C, K.425, Linz: Adagio/Allegro Spiritoso - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 36 in C, K.425, Linz: Poco Adagio - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 36 in C, K.425, Linz: Menuetto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 36 in C, K.425, Linz: Presto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus

Tracks:

Symphony No. 38 in D, K.504, Prague: Adagio/Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 38 in D, K.504, Prague: Andante - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 38 in D, K.504, Prague: Finale. Presto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 39 in E Flat, K.543: Adagio/Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 39 in E Flat, K.543: Andante Con Moto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 39 in E Flat, K.543: Menuetto. Allegretto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 39 in E Flat, K.543: Finale. Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus

Tracks:

Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K.550: Molto Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K.550: Andante - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K.550: Menuetto. Allegretto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K.550: Allegro Assai - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 41 in C, K.551, Jupiter: Allegro Vivace - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 41 in C, K.551, Jupiter: Andante Cantabile - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 41 in C, K.551, Jupiter: Menuetto. Allegretto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 41 in C, K.551, Jupiter: Molto Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 in C, K. 73 (75a): Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 9 in C, K. 73 (75a): Andante - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 9 in C, K. 73 (75a): Menuetto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 9 in C, K. 73 (75a): Molto Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 10 in G, K.74: Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 10 in G, K.74: Andante - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 10 in G, K.74: Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 10 in D, K. 81 (73l): Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 10 in D, K. 81 (73l): Andante - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 10 in D, K. 81 (73l): Allegreo Molto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 11 in D, K. 84 (73g): Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 11 in D, K. 84 (73g): Andante - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony No. 11 in D, K. 84 (73g): Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony in D, K. 95 (73a): Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony in D, K. 95 (73a): Andante - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony in D, K. 95 (73a): Menuetto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony in D, K. 95 (73a): Molto Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony in F, K.75: Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony in F, K.75: Menuetto - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony in F, K.75: Andante - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Symphony in F, K.75: Allegro - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 12 in A, K.414: Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Marian Migdal
Piano Concerto No. 12 in A, K.414: Andante - Capella Coloniensis, Marian Migdal
Piano Concerto No. 12 in A, K.414: Allegretto - Capella Coloniensis, Marian Migdal
Piano Concerto No. 25 in C, K.503: Allegro Maestoso - Capella Coloniensis, Marian Migdal
Piano Concerto No. 25 in C, K.503: Andante - Capella Coloniensis, Marian Migdal
Piano Concerto No. 25 in C, K.503: Allegretto - Capella Coloniensis, Marian Migdal

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 13 in C, K.415: Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Nicholas Kraemer, Linda Nicholson
Piano Concerto No. 13 in C, K.415: Andante - Capella Coloniensis, Nicholas Kraemer, Linda Nicholson
Piano Concerto No. 13 in C, K.415: Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Nicholas Kraemer, Linda Nicholson
Piano Concerto No. 23 in A, K.488: Allegro - Capella Coloniensis, Nicholas Kraemer, Linda Nicholson
Piano Concerto No. 23 in A, K.488: Adagio - Capella Coloniensis, Nicholas Kraemer, Linda Nicholson
Piano Concerto No. 23 in A, K.488: Allegro Assai - Capella Coloniensis, Nicholas Kraemer, Linda Nicholson

Tracks:

Flute Concerto in G Major, K.313: Allegro Maestoso - Hungarian State Orchestra, , Ervin Lukacs
Flute Concerto in G Major, K.313: Adagio Non Troppo - Hungarian State Orchestra, , Ervin Lukacs
Flute Concerto in G Major, K.313: Rondo: Tempo Di Minuetto - Hungarian State Orchestra, , Ervin Lukacs
Flute Concerto in D Major, K.314: Allegro Aperto - Hungarian State Orchestra, , Ervin Lukacs
Flute Concerto in D Major, K.314: Andante Ma Non Troppo - Hungarian State Orchestra, , Ervin Lukacs
Flute Concerto in D Major, K.314: Rondo. Allegro - Hungarian State Orchestra, , Ervin Lukacs
Concerto for Flute and Harp in C, K.299: Allegro - Cologne Concerto, Saskia Kwast, Martin Sandhoff
Concerto for Flute and Harp in C, K.299: Andantino - Cologne Concerto, Saskia Kwast, Martin Sandhoff
Concerto for Flute and Harp in C, K.299: Rondo. Allegro - Cologne Concerto, Saskia Kwast, Martin Sandhoff

Tracks:

Clarinet Concerto in A, K.622: Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra, David Glasser, Geoffrey Simon
Clarinet Concerto in A, K.622: Adagio - English Chamber Orchestra, David Glasser, Geoffrey Simon
Clarinet Concerto in A, K.622: Rondo. Allegro - English Chamber Orchestra, David Glasser, Geoffrey Simon
Oboe Concerto in C, K.314: Allegro Aperto - C.P.E. Bach Chamber Orchestra, Burkhard Glaetzner, Hartmut Haenchen
Oboe Concerto in C, K.314: Adagio Non Troppo - C.P.E. Bach Chamber Orchestra, Burkhard Glaetzner, Hartmut Haenchen
Oboe Concerto in C, K.314: Rondo, Allegretto - C.P.E. Bach Chamber Orchestra, Burkhard Glaetzner, Hartmut Haenchen
Bassoon Concerto in B Flat, K.191: Allegro - Klaus Hellman, Herbert Kraus, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Bassoon Concerto in B Flat, K.191: Andante Ma Adagio - Klaus Hellman, Herbert Kraus, Vienna Mozart Ensemble
Bassoon Concerto in B Flat, K.191: Rondeau, Tempo Di Minuetto - Klaus Hellman, Herbert Kraus, Vienna Mozart Ensemble

Tracks:

String Quartet in a Major K.464: Allegro - Petersen Quartett
String Quartet in a Major K.464: Menuetto - Petersen Quartett
String Quartet in a Major K.464: Andante - Petersen Quartett
String Quartet in a Major K.464: Allegro - Petersen Quartett
String Quartet in C Major K.465 Dissonant: Adagio, Allegro - Petersen Quartett
String Quartet in C Major K.465 Dissonant: Andante Cantabile - Petersen Quartett
String Quartet in C Major K.465 Dissonant: Menuetto. Allegro - Petersen Quartett
String Quartet in C Major K.465 Dissonant: Allegro - Petersen Quartett

Tracks:

Vioin Concerto No. 3 in G, K.216: Allegro - Christian Altenburger, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Vioin Concerto No. 3 in G, K.216: Adagio - Christian Altenburger, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Vioin Concerto No. 3 in G, K.216: Rondo. Allegro - Christian Altenburger, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Vioin Concerto No. 4 in D, K.218: Allegro - Christian Altenburger, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Vioin Concerto No. 4 in D, K.218: Andante Cantabile - Christian Altenburger, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Vioin Concerto No. 4 in D, K.218: Rondeau. Andante Grazioso - Christian Altenburger, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Fantasy in F Minor, K.608 - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Sandor V

Tracks:

Violin Concerto No. 5 in A, K.219: Allegro Aperto - Christian Altenburger, Wolfram Christ, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Violin Concerto No. 5 in A, K.219: Adagio - Christian Altenburger, Wolfram Christ, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Violin Concerto No. 5 in A, K.219: Rondeau, Tempo Di Minuetto - Christian Altenburger, Wolfram Christ, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Sinfonia Concertante in E Flat for Violin and Viola, K.364: ... - Christian Altenburger, Wolfram Christ, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Sinfonia Concertante in E Flat for Violin and Viola, K.364: Andante - Christian Altenburger, Wolfram Christ, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann
Sinfonia Concertante in E Flat for Violin and Viola, K.364: Presto - Christian Altenburger, Wolfram Christ, German Bach Soloists, Helmut Winschermann

Tracks:

Requiem, K.626: Requiem - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Dies Irae - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Tuba Mirum - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Rex Tremendae - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Recordare - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Confutatis - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Lacrimosa - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Domine Jesu - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Hostias - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Sanctus - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Benedictus - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Agnus Dei - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Requiem, K.626: Lux Aeterna - Aldo Baldin, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gerhard Faulstich, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Edith Wiens
Laudate Dominum - Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, Ivan Fischer, Jeunesses Musicales Chorus, Maria Zadori

Tracks:

Missa Solembis in C Minor, K.139: Kyrie - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, , Werner Hollweg, Celina Lindsley, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach
Missa Solembis in C Minor, K.139: Gloria - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, , Werner Hollweg, Celina Lindsley, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach
Missa Solembis in C Minor, K.139: Credo - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, , Werner Hollweg, Celina Lindsley, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach
Missa Solembis in C Minor, K.139: Sanctus - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, , Werner Hollweg, Celina Lindsley, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach
Missa Solembis in C Minor, K.139: Benedictus - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, , Werner Hollweg, Celina Lindsley, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach
Missa Solembis in C Minor, K.139: Agnus Dei - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, , Werner Hollweg, Celina Lindsley, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach
Misericordias Domini, K.222 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, , Werner Hollweg, Celina Lindsley, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach
Inter Natos Mulierum, K.72 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, , Werner Hollweg, Celina Lindsley, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach
Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, K.273 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, , Werner Hollweg, Celina Lindsley, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach
Venite Populi, K.260 - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, , Werner Hollweg, Celina Lindsley, Rias Chamber Chorus, Gabriele Schreckenbach

Tracks:

Ave Verum Corpus [From Lorenzo's Oil] - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Marcus Creed, Rias Chamber Chorus
Exsultate, Jubilate, K.165 - Gabrielle Fuchs
Church Sonata in C, K.328 - Robert Kuppelwieser
Laudate Dominum - Camerata Academica of the Salzburg Mozarteum, Gabrielle Fuchs, Ernst Hinreiner
Fantasy in F Minor, K.608
Ah, Lo Previdi...Ah, T'Invola Agl'occhi Miei, K.272 - Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, Ervin Lukacs, Sylvia Sass

Tracks:

Magic Flute, K.620 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Marriage of Figaro, K.492 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Ascanio in Alba, K.111 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Idomeneo, K.366 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Impresario, K.486 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Cosi Fan Tutte, K.588 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Abduction from the Seraglio, K.384 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Finta Giardiniera, K.196 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Lucio Silla, K.135 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Clemenza Di Tito, K.621 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Don Giovanni, K.527 - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk

Tracks:

Five Minuets, K.461: No. 1 in C - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Five Minuets, K.461: No. 2 in E Flat - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Five Minuets, K.461: No. 3 in G - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Five Minuets, K.461: No. 4 in B Flat - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Five Minuets, K.461: No. 5 in F - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six Contredances, K.462: No. 1 in C - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six Contredances, K.462: No. 2 in E Flat - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six Contredances, K.462: No. 3 in B Flat - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six Contredances, K.462: No. 4 in D - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six Contredances, K.462: No. 5 in B Flat - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six Contredances, K.462: No. 6 in F - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Two Quadriles, K.463: No. 1 in F - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Two Quadriles, K.463: No. 2 in B Flat - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six German Dances, K.509 - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Contredanse, K.534, Das Donnerwetter - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Contredanse, K.535 la Bataille - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Contredanse, K.587 Der Sieg Vom Helden Koburg - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six German Dances, K.600: No. 1 in C - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six German Dances, K.600: No. 2 in F - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six German Dances, K.600: No. 3 in B Flat - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six German Dances, K.600: No. 4 in E Flat - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six German Dances, K.600: No. 5 in G, The Canary - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Six German Dances, K.600: No. 6 in D - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Two Contredanses, K.603: No. 1 in D - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Two Contredanses, K.603: No. 2 in B Flat - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Three German Dances, K.605: No. 1 in D - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Three German Dances, K.605: No. 2 in G - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus
Three German Dances, K.605: No. 3 in C, The Sleighride - Hans Graf, Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra & Chorus

Tracks:

Magic Flute, K.620 Highlights: Overture - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Magic Flute, K.620 Highlights: Der Vogelfer Bin Ich Ja, ... - Bratislava Philharmonic, Hermann Prey
Magic Flute, K.620 Highlights: O Isis and Osiris, The Priest's Chorus - Bulgarian National Choir, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, Svetoslav Obretenov Bulgarian Choir
Magic Flute, K.620 Highlights: Der H Rache, Queen of the ... - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sumi Jo, Roberto Paternostro
Magic Flute, K.620 Highlights: Ies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Sch... - Kurt Eichhorn, Munich Radio Orchestra, Josef Protschka
Magic Flute, K.620 Highlights: Ein Mhen Oder Weibchen, ... - Bratislava Philharmonic, Hermann Prey,
Magic Flute, K.620 Highlights: Heil Sei Euch Geweihten, Final Chorus - Bulgarian National Choir, Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, Svetoslav Obretenov Bulgarian Choir
Idomeneo, K.366 Highlights: Vedrommi Intorno, Idomeneo's Aria - NHK Chamber Soloists, Roberto Paternostro, Giuseppe Sabbatini
Idomeneo, K.366 Highlights: Ballet Music - NHK Chamber Soloists, Roberto Paternostro, Giuseppe Sabbatini
Idomeneo, K.366 Highlights: Il Padre Adorato, Idamente's Aria - NHK Chamber Soloists, Roberto Paternostro, Giuseppe Sabbatini
Idomeneo, K.366 Highlights: d'Oreste, d'Ajace, Electra's Aria - Hungarian State Opera Orchestra, Ervin Lukacs, Sylvia Sass
Idomeneo, K.366 Highlights: Torna la Pace, Idomenco's Aria - Kurt Eichhorn, Munich Radio Orchestra, Josef Protschka

Tracks:

Don Giovanni, K.527 Highlights: Overture - Staatskapelle Dresden, Hans Vonk
Don Giovanni, K.527 Highlights: Madamina, Il Catalogo Questo, ... - Renato Bruson, NHK Chamber Soloists, Roberto Paternostro
Don Giovanni, K.527 Highlights: Li Darem la Mano, Duet ... - Renato Bruson, Sona Ghazarian, NHK Chamber Soloists, Roberto Paternostro
Don Giovanni, K.527 Highlights: Dalla Sua Pace, Don Ottavio's Aria - Kurt Eichhorn, Munich Radio Orchestra, Josef Protschka
Don Giovanni, K.527 Highlights: Mi Traduell'alma Ingrata, ... - Sona Ghazarian, NHK Chamber Soloists, Roberto Paternostro
Don Giovanni, K.527 Highlights: Il Mio Tesoro, Don Ottavio's Aria - Kurt Eichhorn, Munich Radio Orchestra, Josef Protschka
Abduction from the Seraglio, K.384: Ich Baue Ganz Auf Deine ... - Kurt Eichhorn, Munich Radio Orchestra, Josef Protschka
Abduction from the Seraglio, K.384: Singt Dem Gron Bassa Lieder, ... - Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rias Chamber Chorus, Hanns Martin Schneidt
Abduction from the Seraglio, K.384: Wenn Der Freude Trn ... - Kurt Eichhorn, Munich Radio Orchestra, Josef Protschka
Cosan Tutte, K. 588: Come Scoglio, Fiordiligi's Aria - Bulgarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Vassil Stefanov, Anna Tomowa Sintow
Cosan Tutte, K. 588: Un'aura Amorosa, Ferrando's Aria - NHK Chamber Soloists, Roberto Paternostro, Giuseppe Sabbatini
Clemenza Di Tito, K.621: Ah Se Fosse Intorno Al Trono, Tito's Aria - NHK Chamber Soloists, Roberto Paternostro, Giuseppe Sabbatini

Album Description

Enjoy a little night music with Mozart and this ultimate collection of his music. This incredible 20-CD set presents the listener with all of Mozart's most famous works, from Symphonies and Concertos, to highlights of his best operas The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni. Take in his Missa Solemnis, Ave Verum and Requiem and don't forget Eine Kleine Nachtmusik...this set truly is the most definitive Mozart collection ever assembled!

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Collection.......2007-04-11

As a selection, this is highly representative of Mozart's music. Just seeing the volume of work makes one marvel at Mozart's genius. Hear everything from piano to woodwinds, symphonies to concertos as well as religious pieces and operas. On my cd player, which is not a very expensive model, I get fine tonal quality and dynamics. I would highly recommend this box set to any fan of Mozart's work.

Celebrate Mozart's 250th at a Budget Price.......2006-01-11

This month will mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of one of the giants of the classical music world. While I am certainly not a classical music snob (the only Mozart piece I can identify is "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik," and what little I know of his life came from the 1984 movie "Amadeus"), I recognize his genius and the significance of his music.

This 20-CD box set gathers all of his major symphonies, concertos and operas into one massive collection. All of the selections are performed by European musicians (eg. the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, the Berliner Kammerorchester, etc.). While not household names, the music is uniformly excellent.

If you're looking for an inexpensive purchase (I got mine at a national retailer that rhymes with "Clam's Tub" for under $20!) to kick off your "Rock Me Amadeus" party, this is a great choice. RECOMMENDED

Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli, Missa Aeterna

Average customer rating:

Something familiar, something new
Palestrina's a giant in renaissance counterpoint
Outstanding - music of the spheres.
Palestrina's Masses...I love them all...
Not just a bargain disc...

Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli, Missa Aeterna

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Josquin Desprez: Motets & Chansons
Desprez-Palestrina Motets/Masses
Tallis Scholars sing Palestrina
Monteverdi: Vespro della Beata Vergine 1610/Venetian Vespers
The Greatest Choral Music of Palestrina: Prince of Music

ASIN: B0000013U7
Release Date: 1994-02-15

Tracks:

Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus
Agnus Dei
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus
Agnus Dei

Amazon.com

There's a wonderful legend, retold by (among others) Pfitzner's opera Palestrina, attached to the "Pope Marcellus" Mass: the Council of Trent, ground zero of the Counter Reformation, was about to ban all music but chant from the liturgy when Palestrina submitted this Mass, thereby changing the prelates' minds and saving church music. The writing is beautiful enough to deserve such a story: cheerful yet devout, comprehensible but not simplistic, without the complexity and secular borrowings (very prevalent in the preceding decades) that so perturbed the Council. The Missa Papae Marcelli has been recorded by choirs from Westminster Abbey to the Tallis Scholars, yet the Oxford Camerata does itself proud: Jeremy Summerly's reading of the music is reverently sweet, yet he's not afraid to make a joyful noise when appropriate--and the various voices are unusually clear. The equally radiant Missa Aeterna Christi Munera gets a similarly pleasing performance. Amidst serious competition, Summerly's readings of these Masses are among the best available--and, at Naxos's superbudget price, definitely the best value. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Something familiar, something new.......2005-10-19

--Palestrina--
Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina is sometimes called the greatest composer of the Roman Catholic church. Born in 1525 near Rome, he spent the better part of his career in service to the church as a choir member, choir master, conductor, composer and school master. He was sought after by many churches, and sometimes his popularity and skill got him into trouble both with his clerical patrons and with fellow musicians. He was offered prestigious positions in Rome and Vienna which were ultimately withdrawn because Palestrina's salary and conditions requirements were too high. He had some influence on the Council of Trent's musical decisions for reform of the Catholic worship practices, and was involved intimately with revising the Gradual and produced a harmonised version of the Latin Hymnal in 1589. He died in 1594.

--Masses--
The first mass presented here is Missa Papae Marcelli. Written in the 1550s, it wasn't published until the next decade. Pope Marcellus was only pope for a few weeks, but managed to endear himself to composers and conductors by insisting upon clarity as the highest of virtues for choristers. There is a joy to this, as Palestrina is definitely in the mode of celebrating the life of Pope Marcellus. This is one of Palestrina's most recorded works.

The second mass, Missa Aeterna Christi Munera is likewise a strong composition, although it is much less known than the first. Palestrina wrote over 100 masses in his lifetime (in addition to a wide range of other pieces), so it is not surprising that there might be some relatively overlooked. This particular mass has a more solemn tone to it, but still soars magnificently, and has no real flaws in composition.

--Oxford Camerata and Jeremy Summerly--
The performance of both of these pieces is superb. Perhaps the better performance belongs to the second mass; the Camerata has twelve singers, who double on the six-voice Missa Papae Marcelli, but are able to triple on the four-voice Missa Aeterna Christi Munera. They play with tempo and expression in new ways. The Oxford Camerata was formed in the early 1990s under the direction of Jeremy Summerly - this disc is their second recording. (Legend has it there was a cement mixer just outside the Dorchester Abbey, and that the recording engineers missed the first session for recording due to car trouble.)

Summerly's direction and selection of material and interpretation is such that it bears watching in the future.

Palestrina's a giant in renaissance counterpoint.......2005-10-14

Beautifully performed CD of 2 beautiful Masses written by G. Palestrina. Worth listening to and adding to album collection. Palestrina definitely is unsurpassed in Renaissance Counterpoint and is rightfully called the Prince of Music.

Outstanding - music of the spheres........2005-10-12

I've sung much renaissance polyphony, especially Palestrina, and this is about as good as recording gets. The musicality of the entire album, the perfect blend of voices (as well as a the utterly exquisite quality of that of the second tenor) and the perfection of the composition are all factors which contribute to something nonetheless mysteriously holy and beautiful about this recording; maybe what the music was really meant to be.

Palestrina's Masses...I love them all..........2004-11-18

I don't think is a good idea to compare composers
from three different musical periods; because of
their different mentalities, different cultures,
and different resources at their disposal...The
Missa Papae Marcelli is of interest because is
one of the earliest works to challange the regulations
in music of the Counter-Reformation; but yet in
other aspects it stays very close to what was expected
of Palestrina...Of special interest of the
Missa Papae Marcelli is the Mass'Gloria....
The Missa Aeterna...is a work that is based
on a motet a procedure that at the time
was a "BIG NO, NO" to the Counter-Reformation
movement...As all of the Palestrina Masses these
works are all full of beauty and serenity...
Oxford Camerata does a wonderful job....

Not just a bargain disc..........2001-03-12

This disc might actually make a good Palestrina sampler, of sorts - at least a good sampler of his masses. The Pope Marcellus Mass is probably his best known mass, and both this mass and the Missa Aeterna Christi Munera are models of elegance and serenity. The latter piece is not recorded very often, so you would be advised to pick up this disc, which contains both of these splendid pieces.

Normally in a review like this I would give some contextual/historical information about the pieces, but Palestrina and his Missa Papae Marcelli probably need little of this. It is often pointed out that this mass was written partly as model for textual intelligibility in polyphonic music; it is, though, even more than that: it is a model for perfection in Renaissance form.

I have three other recordings of the Marcellus Mass - two are by the Tallis scholars (one on the Palestrina 400 collection and the other on another separate recording) and one is by a German Baroque choir that I can't and won't take the time to remember (the recording isn't very good). Of the two T. Scholars recordings, the one on the 400 collection is preferable for its tempo, the other for the better acoustics of the recording venue. Both are fine recordings - typical Tallis Scholars. I haven't heard the Voices of Ascension or Westminster Choir recordings of this mass, but they are probably good.

I would recommend this present recording over the T. Scholars ones, though, for different reasons. First, the acoustics are preferable - there's more resonance in this one. The most importance difference is not really in interpretation (both groups render the music as flowing smoothly and slowly) but in the choral sound. Summerly's choir simply sounds fuller. For all their precision, the Tallis Scholars recordings sound thin - their sound lacks body, compared to the Oxford Camerata, although the former does seem to carry with it, as I said, the singular advantage of linear precision. In any case, the Oxford group sounds less pinched and more full-voiced.

Tracks:

Missa Solemnis: Kyrie - Assai sostenuto (Mit Andacht)
Missa Solemnis: Gloria (Allegro vivace)
Missa Solemnis: Credo (Allegro ma non troppo)
Missa Solemnis: Sanctus - Adagio (Mit Andacht)
Missa Solemnis: Agnus Dei - Adagio

Amazon.com essential recording

John Eliot Gardiner's interpretation of the Missa Solemnis stands as one of the crowning accomplishments of his career and one of the most impressive achievements of the period-instrument movement. The concept is grand and powerful, lively though not unduly brisk. The execution is simply electrifying: Gardiner has the orchestra on the edge of their seats, the chorus going all-out, and sparks flying everywhere. Excellent singing from the soloists and a vivid recording complete the triumph, and it's all on a single disc. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Exquisite!.......2007-02-17

I'm not typically a big period instruments fan, but this recording was fabulous. With the singing and excitement at such a high level, I really didn't even notice the period instrumentation.

I have not listened to all of the other versions, so I have no basis for comparisons, but I have a hard time believing that ANYONE would be disappointed with this recording. This is far superior to the recording I used to own of this piece (Robert Shaw, maybe?). Now, I can truly see what all of the fuss is about regarding this piece!

Hairs on End.......2007-02-12

When I was in college I had the incredible experience of singing in the chorus for the Beethoven 9th with Kurt Masur and the Leipzig Gewanthaus. I floated on air for days after the performance. During rehearsal, Maestro Masur gave a talk about his thoughts on the 9th in relation to the Missa. He said that the Missa was Beethoven arguing with God with that argument being be resolved in the 9th. From a musical, but not textual standpoint, I could see his point of view.

Gardiner seems to subscribe to this viewpoint: he brings out the fury of the music in a way that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. The playing is intense and precise. The clarity of textures adds to the drama. Gardiner doesn't hold anything back. And, contrary to some opinions here, the playing is extremely musical. From my standpoint this is one of the most breathtaking recordings I've ever heard. It is also far superior to the Karajan snooze-fest.

Wonderful Performance, Problematic Engineering.......2006-05-21

Gardiner's is a performance that eschews self-conscious, often grandiose attempts at "profundity" (unlike the Levine, for instance), and instead brings out the cosmic surge and dynamism that is hard wired into this music, but so often buried beneath layers of "solemnity". Fifteen years after I first heard it, it remains my reference for the score, alongside George Szell's similarly dynamic and bracing live performance with the Cleveland Orchestra (only available, I believe, as part of a 6 CD set from the orchestra). There are other ways to play the work, and I own quite a few of those as well; but the Gardiner approach strikes me as a revelation.

If there's a problem with the Gardiner, it's the engineering. This is one of the ugliest-sounding orchestral recordings that I have ever heard - and that's saying a lot. It sounds as if the engineer has employed as many microphones as Beethoven did instruments and voices. Heard through an audiophile system, there is no central sonic image whatsoever, no sense of the music coming alive within the expanse of the listening area. The overall sound is sterile, cold, and virtually un-listenable on revealing audio systems that tend at all towards brightness. As much as I love this performance, it's remains for me a headphones-only affair.

Inspiring.......2006-05-09

This to me is very moving music and I would not describe myself as a religious person but then I don't have to be to admire great music. The orchestra and the choir play and sing with great passion and precision. John Eliot Gardiner adopts faster speeds than normal but still manages to allow his forces the time to articulate their parts. The soloist blend so well together and for me this disc is a must. I have heard a number of the other versions of this music noted in previous reviews but for me this is the version all other must now be judged by.

Bland, dry, and uninspired.......2006-02-03

This review will undoubtedly offend the period-instrument crowd. After hearing Robert Shaw's recording, I thought surely it was impossible to have less inspired recording of this piece, unless, of course, your inspiration is to make music that is "correct" instead of music that is good.

Yes, the playing and singing is always accurate and precise, but is that what makes a performance great? Listen to Karajan's recording and you will hear mistakes all over, but you don't care because you are so caught up in the energy and beauty of the performance that you do not care.

The Credo is perhaps the worst movement. Gardiner chooses a ridiculously fast tempo that makes it sound like a drinking song, not a proclamation of faith.

Gardiner being the ultimate literalist chooses not to bring in the chorus at "Pleni sunt coeli." The only other recording I know of is an old LP of Klemperer which I do not think has been released on CD. Though that is what the score says, it does not make musical sense at all, which is why most conductors opt to introduce the chorus there.

By the way, if JEG was so concerned about recreating the "authentic" (whatever that means) sound that Beethoven would have heard, why did he choose to have the singers use ecclesiastical Latin. Would Viennese Latin not be much more appropriate? Just a thought.

If like dull, uninspired recordings of masterpieces, then this is the disc for you. If like me you prefer not to have the life sucked out of music, then stay away from this CD.

Average customer rating:

Agnus Dei music of Inner Harmony
Simply The Best
Wow!
Profound sublimity
Beautiful music

Agnus Dei: Music of Inner Harmony

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Anthems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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Agnus Dei II: Music to soothe the soul
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ASIN: B000005E4J
Release Date: 1997-02-18

Tracks:

Agnus Dei, op.11 - Barber
Cantique de Jean Racine, op.11 - Faure
Kyrie - Palestrina
Ave Verum Corpus K 618 - Mozart
Jesus bleibet meine Freude - Bach
Ave Maria, op.37 No.6 - Choir Of New College Oxford
Lux Aeterna - Choir Of New College Oxford
Totus Tuus - Choir Of New College Oxford
Hear my prayer - Mendelssohn
The Lamb - Tavener
In paradisum - Faure
Miserere mei, Deus - Choir Of New College Oxford

Amazon.com

Beyond this recording's new age packaging and title is a splendid sampling of some of the world's finest choral music, sung by one of the world's outstanding choirs. This "anthology of sacred choral music" spans 400 years and includes such masterpieces as Allegri's Miserere, Bach's "Jesu, joy of man's desiring," and Barber's exquisite Agnus Dei, which is the composer's choral setting of his famous Adagio for Strings. Along the way we also hear Mozart's sublime "Ave verum corpus," Elgar's "Lux aeterna," and the Kyrie from Palestrina's Missa Papae Marcelli. There has been a choir at England's New College, Oxford, since the year 1379, and this impressive line of experience shows in the intelligent, unfaltering, and finely polished performances by today's ensemble of 16 boys and 12 adults. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

Agnus Dei music of Inner Harmony.......2007-05-14

Not really my thing but mother in law loved it.

Simply The Best.......2007-02-23

You'll love this music. This is music for all moments of your life

Wow!.......2006-07-08

I'm a long-time listener of all things rock-'n-roll, from Classic rock, to Alternative, and even a little Metal. I first heard this CD while having dinner at a friends house a long time ago, and I loved it. I've always been enchanted with choir music, so I bought this CD. Well, after years of listening to it to help me to unwind in the evening, I somehow misplaced it. So I came to Amazon to order both I and II. Of the two CD's, the first one is still the best, and it still helps me to relax after a long day. The choir show tremendous range in their singing, the assorted instruments are well-played, and I can almost imagine myself sitting in a centuries-old cathedral, enjoying the music and how it rings throughout the cathedral.

Buy it. You won't be disappointed.

Profound sublimity.......2006-02-27

This album offers music that is profoundly moving and sumbline. It takes the listener onto an inner journal of extraordinary emotional depths and heights

Beautiful music.......2006-01-18

The first song I've heard on this CD is "Miserere Mei..." and I loved it the first minute. I've heard it from a friend who likes classical, and I would've never bought this on my own.

All other versions of these songs I've heard since don't compare to the versions on this CD. Maybe because it was my first listen, maybe they're just good.

Average customer rating:

Missa Solemnis new CD of a classic!
vintage Beethoven perfectly performed
Should you buy the latest remastering of this classic recording?
The Best
Unprecedented Majesty and Grandeur

Missa Solemnis in D major, op.123
L.V. Beethoven , Otto Klemperer , and New Philharmonia Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00005AVMH
Release Date: 2001-04-10

Tracks:

Kyrie
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Qui Tollis
Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
Credo In Unum Deum
Et Incarnatus Est
Et Resurrexit
Sanctus
Benedictus
Agnus Dei
Dona Nobis Pacem

Customer Reviews:

Missa Solemnis new CD of a classic!.......2007-01-21

I remember the Klemperer phonograph recording from many years ago, when I was younger. It left an indelible impact and had not heard the Missa Solemnis for many years, until the CD was released by EMI Classics. Despite the recording being made over 40 years ago in 1965 it remains moving, uplifting and spiritual. The New Philharmonia Chorus was masterful and the quartet was well integrated. Listening to the music makes one wonder how could Beethoven write such dramatic and difficult to perform music. Otto Klemperer was 80 years old at the time of the recording and interestingly his son was Colonel Klink in Hogan's Heros. The low price is nice, however this is a recording that is justified at a much higher price. How in the world did the sopranos sustain the high Bb's in Credo (Et Vitam Venturi)? The end of the Gloria movement is the chorus proclaiming without instrumentation, "GLORIA".
This is a fitting salute to a glorious recording. Bill Turnage

vintage Beethoven perfectly performed.......2006-12-07

Beethoven was a tonal engineer who sought to channel mighty forces, and nowhere are they more powerful than in the Missa Solemnis. In this work Beethoven, the archetypical constructive composer, builds from scratch his conception of man's relation to the infinite. Although the textual framework is that of the religious mass, the conception is not religious in the ordinary sense but transcends it. Both highly personal yet universal, it points into the infinite. This tendency is present in all his greatest works and is responsible for the unfinished feeling -- the sense of having been left incomplete -- that they can give. In the Missa, too, we find the signature quirks of Beethoven -- the unprepared modulations, the seemingly arbitrary abruptness verging on impatience, the occasional imperfectly judged passage or repetition -- that remind us that yes, this is definitely Beethoven, and which in an ordinary composer could be considered flaws. Yet they are not so when taken in context. For Beethoven is concerned with the ongoing, and perfection would be incompatible with his goal. To put it another way, paraphrasing Stravinsky from his "Themes and Conclusions", Beethoven can sometimes be frustrating because we want what we love to be the way we want it to be. Well, it can't be that way, because then we would kill it; what Beethoven is concerned with is greater than any of us, and beyond even his power to describe fully.

The Missa is a difficult work to perform because of the disparate styles of its various parts. Loud fugato passages sit cheek by jowl with quiet sections of ethereal, otherworldly beauty, and some of the writing is surprisingly sensuous and romantically colored. Also much in evidence is the slow, ineffably expressive adagio which Beethoven invented and which occurs elsewhere in the late quartets, for example. Yet these sections when taken as a whole are not fundamentally incompatible. The conductor's problem is to keep focused on the ultimate goal and maintain an overall sense of direction, without getting mired in the exquisite details.

The ultimate test comes toward the middle of the Resurrexit, which is the crux of the matter and on which everything hangs. Many an interpretation will founder here. Not only is there a huge discontinuity, but the concluding vocal quartet is liable to seem puny in comparison, utterly trivial and pointless. The danger is great, for here the plate tectonics of Beethoven's mighty conception burst out and threaten to rupture the work. A thrilling kaleidoscopic succession of powerful inspirations builds and culminates in a majestic rising flood of sound. This flood has to be controlled. Klemperer solves the problem beautifully by tapering it not quite abruptly, yet within the space of a single measure, making it retreat into its classical matrix without extinguishing it. In this way he clinches the work and brings it safely home. Now the meaning of the ensuing quartet becomes clear: Having witnessed the incredible, humans bask in the afterglow of the divine.

Immeasurable in its greatness, both higher and deeper than anything else in music, this is the finest work of the most deeply and humanly moving of all composers.

Should you buy the latest remastering of this classic recording?.......2006-04-29

By any measure the Missa Solemnis is almost impossible to faithfully record, given that the engineers must find a way to balance orchestra, solo quartet, and a large chorus, a total of two hundred performers trying to live up to Beethoven's cosmic conception. Recording techniques have advanced a great deal since the early LP era, of course, but it's still fatiguing on the ear to listen to the Missa Solemnis squeezed down to room size.

EMI's remastering of Klemperer's classic 1965 account lowers the ear fatigue a little (the chorus doesn't "crunch" quite as much in loud passages) and clarifies some of the solo instruments and voices a bit, but is otherwise no great shakes. In its new single-disc format the recording is a bargain, but on the used market you can find the two-disc version, which sounds almost as good, for half the price, and it includes an excellent Choral Fantasy that was one of the highlights of the Barenboim-Klemperer concerto cycle.

The Best.......2006-02-27

My favorite recording of my favorite work of my favorite composer.

Among the many strengths of this performance, I would particularly like to mention how dead-on right are the tempi. Klemperer does not lean toward the ponderous here as he does in his symphony recordings.

There is, however, one notable exception: "In gloria dei patris", the fugal close to the Gloria, really is too slow. Taken at a weighty plod, well under the Allegro ma non troppo marked, this section lacks the cumulative energy and "glory" that it should have.

But let's keep things in perspective. This is the exception in a performance that is otherwise exemplary for its tempo choices. And this work, with more tempo variations than I would care to count, so often suffers abuse from the ill-chosen tempi of other conductors.

The sound quality is fine. The performing forces are excellent. Though, for me, Marga Hoffgen is less than the ideal of vocal beauty or expression. But then, Elisabeth Soderstrom is splendid!

I used to find the Kyrie, while at a perfect tempo, too grandiose dynamically. But now I am not so sure. There is a trade-off here: what the movement loses in humility it gains in grandeur.

But enough indulging in personal views. What I really must emphasize is that this is a beautifully conceived performance. Klemperer grasps the larger structures of this great work, while, by comparison, others are lost, mired in the smaller episodes.

This is THE recording.

Unprecedented Majesty and Grandeur.......2005-12-20

This is the third recording of Missa Solemnis that I have heard. The first two (Karajan and Gardiner) were excellent. Nevertheless, I was totally unprepared for the emotion, grandeur and majesty of the Klemperer recording. I own nearly 1,000 classical CDs, and I feel strongly that this is the most powerful and truly moving CD in my collection. I will leave the analysis of the merits of the singing, conducting, orchestral playing and sound engineering to others. I prefer to keep listening to this reverential music without indulging in dissecting its component parts. The overall experience is simply too awe inspiring for me.

Average customer rating:

Misa Luba 5 stars, everything else 0 stars
Ahhhhh, Missa Luba!
Almost missed the Luba!

Misa Criolla/Missa Luba/Misa Flamenca

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Missa Luba: An African Mass
Misa Criolla
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Fanshawe: African Sanctus, Salaams
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ASIN: B0002JZ28O
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

Misa Criolla: Kyrie (Vidala-Baguala)
Misa Criolla: Gloria - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Misa Criolla: Credo
Misa Criolla: Sanctus
Misa Criolla: Agnus Dei (Estilo Pampeano)
Missa Luba: Kyrie
Missa Luba: Gloria
Missa Luba: Credo
Missa Luba: Sanctus
Missa Luba: Benedictus
Missa Luba: Agnus Dei
Misa Flamenca: Kyrie (La Ca
Misa Flamenca: Gloria (Cantes de Mga) - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Misa Flamenca: Credo (Cantes Gitanos) - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Misa Flamenca: Sanctus (Cantes del Campo) - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Misa Flamenca: Agnus Dei (Cantes de Cz)

Tracks:

Missa Luba: Titles and Introduction - "Mgondo Dora" [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Kyrie [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Gloria [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Visit to Namyeri [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Credo [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Visit to Oyugis [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Sanctus [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Visit to Nyeri [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Agnus Dei [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Visit to Wundanyi [DVD]
Missa Luba: Bwana Ni Nani [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Visit to Mzeras [DVD] - Boniface Mganga, Muungano National Choir
Missa Luba: Kyrie (Reprise) [DVD]
Missa Luba: Nyenyeki [DVD]
Missa Luba: Sanctus (Reprise) [DVD]

Customer Reviews:

Misa Luba 5 stars, everything else 0 stars.......2007-03-12

Finally the original (circa 1960's) Misa Luba is available on CD. That makes this CD well worth owning. The Misa Crolla and Misa Flamenca that are also on this CD are no more than filler and add nothing except inconvenience to the CD. I would much prefer a CD that contains both sides of the original LP of the Misa Luba and nothing else. Unfortunately, this CD omits the off side of the LP.

The DVD contained in this package is about the Kenya National Choir production of the Misa Luba (circa 1990), a much inferior rendition compared to the original which is contained in this CD, and is of virtually no interest. Why would the consumer care about a biopic of a poor impersonation?

Despite all the filler, this is definitely worth owning.

Ahhhhh, Missa Luba!.......2006-12-23

My much-loved LP was lost in a move a few years ago, and now after much prodding Philips has reissued the original Missa Luba on an absolutely glorious CD -- with a DVD kicker to boot. Thank you, Philips! The sound is spectacular; the purity and enthusiasm of the voices inspiring. The accompanying Misa Criolla (based on South American folk songs) and Misa Flamenca (Andalusian) are added treats. [Not being familiar with Misa Criolla, I can't comment on RJHamilton's review, but I found the entire disc enthralling.]

Buy it ... you'll love it.

Almost missed the Luba!.......2006-03-02

The music is great, comes with a DVD of the Missa Luba's origins in Africa (nice touch). The only problem is that whilst the Missa Creola has been produced extremely well it now, it now features Jose Carrera and the producers have 'remodelled' parts of the mass to demonstrate his voice. Unfortunately, in my opinion, neither Mr Carrera's voice nor the remodelling have proved to be adequate foils to the previous issues of this mass.

Average customer rating:

The Story Of Haydn

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Story Of Handel
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ASIN: B000001KD1
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Symphony No. 104 In D Major 'London': Menuetto - Allegro
Harpsicord Concerto In D Major: Vivace
Symphony No. 100 In G Major 'Miltary': Allegretto
Mass No. 2 In E- Flat Major: Great Organ Mass
Symphony No. 82 In C Major 'The Bear': Vivace assai
Keyboard Sonata No. 48 In C Major: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 45 In F-Sharp Minor 'Farewell': Allegro assai
Violin Concerto No. 1 In C Major: Allegro moderato
Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 96 In D Major 'Miracle': Allegro
Symphony No. 96 In D Major 'Miracle': Andante
Baryton Divertimento No. 107 In D Major: Minuet and Trio
Music Clock
Trumpet Concerto In E-Flat Major: Adagio
Symphony No. 45 In F-Sharp Minor 'Farewell': Adagio
Symphony No. 82 In C Major 'The Bear': Vivace
Symphony No.11 In G Major 'Miltary': Excerpts
Philemon And Baucis: Tenor Aria 'Nemo'
Symphony No. 104 In D Major 'London': Allegro spiritoso
Horn Concerto No. 2 In D Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 101 In D Major 'Clock': Presto; Menuetto (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 94 In G Major 'Surprise': Andante
Symphony No. 96 In D Major 'Miracle': Vivace assai
Symphony No. 101 In D Major 'Clock': Andante
Symphony No. 104 In D Major 'London': Andante
Mass in D-flat Major: Gloria
String Quartet in C Major, Op. 76 No. 3 Emperor
The Creation: Chrous: 'The Heavens are Telling'
Austrian National Anthem
Cello Concerto In D Major, Hob. VIIb, No. 2: Moderato
Cello Concerto In D Major, Hob. VIIb, No. 2: Adagio
Cello Concerto In D Major, Hob. VIIb, No. 2: Allegro molto

An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant and Polyphony

Average customer rating:

An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant and Polyphony
The Secret of Success
Other worldly bliss
Angelic Purity
Stunning and uplifting

An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant and Polyphony
Anonymous , Marsha Genensky , and Anonymous 4
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000007DL
Release Date: 1993-03-08

Tracks:

An English Ladymass: Prosa: Gaude virgo salutata (chant)
An English Ladymass: Polyphonic song: Edi beo thu hevene quene
An English Ladymass: Introit: Salve mater redemptoris Salve lux langentium Salve sine spina Salve sancta parens
An English Ladymass: Motet: Lux polis refulgens Lux et gloria
An English Ladymass: Kyrie: Kyria christifera
An English Ladymass: Gloria
An English Ladymass: Motet: Spiritus et alme Gaude virgo salutata
An English Ladymass: Song: Miro genere
An English Ladymass: Gradual: Benedicta et venerabilis
An English Ladymass: Alleluia: Alme iam ad gaudia - Alme matris dei - Alleluya per te dei
An English Ladymass: Sequence: Missus Gabriel del celis
An English Ladymass: Prosa: Gaude virgo gratiosa (chant)
An English Ladymass: Polyphonic song: Salve virgo virginum
An English Ladymass: Offertory: Felix namque (chant)
An English Ladymass: Sanctus & Benedictus
An English Ladymass: Sequence - Song: Jesu Cristes milde moder
An English Ladymass: Agnus dei: Virtute numinis
An English Ladymass: Communion: Beata viscera (chant & song)
An English Ladymass: Rondellus: Flos regalis
An English Ladymass: Chant Setting: Ite missa est
An English Ladymass: Hymn: Ave maris stella

Amazon.com essential recording

In the six years since this female quartet astonished the music world with its clear- voiced, impeccably sung renditions of medieval chant and polyphonic music, chant rose from the dark and dusty corners of classical music to enjoy a phenomenal run at center stage. New and reissued chant recordings achieved sales figures normally reserved for popular music. This is the recording that started it all (that Spanish monks disc came later), winning awards and earning near- permanent resident status on the national charts. Spiritually moving and vocally revelatory, this program re-creates a kind of mass sung in English churches during the 13th and 14th centuries. With their warm tone and perfect intonation, these four singers achieve an expressiveness that is rare among chant interpreters, most effective in the seductive, highly ornamented "Kyrie." The sound is exemplary--although a studio recording, it perfectly conveys the atmosphere of an English cathedral. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

An English Ladymass: Medieval Chant and Polyphony.......2007-06-14

Beautiful and lyrical and very satisfying to listen to while working or mediating. It's everything I hoped it would be!!

The Secret of Success.......2006-04-26

An English Ladymass. 13th and 14th Century Chant and Polyphony in Honor of the Virgin Mary. Performed by Anonymous 4 (Ruth Cunningham, Martha Genensky, Susan Hellauer and Johanna Rose).
Recorded in October, 1991, at Skywalker Sound, Nicasio, California.
Harmonia Mundi HMU 907080. Total time: 59’01”.

Musically, this is one of those rare, very special discs that not only sells well and then disappears into oblivion but that sells well and then stays relevant for many, many years. While re-listening to it, I asked myself again and again what the secret of its success was. A number of answers suggested themselves, none of them completely satisfactory, but all together providing something of a key. First, of course, there are the pure, vibrato-less soprano voices, combining in what some reviewers have, quite correctly I feel, termed “angelic” harmony. The booklet, unfortunately, does not give much information about the performers, but I seemed to hear here one very high soprano voice, what in English Renaissance music would be called a “mean”, plus two “normal” sopranos and an alto. The excitement of the high “mean” soprano and the narrow harmonies of the other voices can truly send shivers of delight down your spine. This is an effect that one usually only hears on discs of choral music (for example, on some of Harry Christophers’s recordings of the masses of John Taverner for Hyperion), and it is guaranteed to uplift the soul and impress with the beauty of the human voice. But added to this here are the medieval melodies, which, although often very strange to our ears, seem to reflect our common past and appear, in a certain way, to be familiar, perhaps as an echo of the joint human memory of those centuries of sacred music – or perhaps just as an individual memory of liturgical song heard in childhood. And of course, the music itself has an intensely “spiritual” flavour, with the excellent recording technique, the absolute stillness of the background and the ensemble’s decision to do without any instrumental accompaniment amounting to an invitation to meditation and devotion.

Perhaps it is indicative, however, of our post-modern age that none of my fellow Amazon reviewers appears to have reflected on the texts which Anonymous 4 have here put together (the result of painstaking musicological research, I should add). Despite all my enthusiasm for the sound and the music of this disc, I have to add that as an evangelical Christian (and as a child of the Enlightenment) I find the unabashed, sensuous Mariolatry of these medieval texts to be profoundly disturbing and, from a Protestant standpoint, utterly heretical. You don’t have to be a Catholic to enjoy the wonderful singing on this disc, but if you study the texts (which are printed in full with translations), you may, like me, become very grateful for what Martin Luther, John Calvin and their followers did for the Church.

As a footnote I should, perhaps, add that if you have enjoyed Anonymous 4's music-making, you might also like to try that of the Italian female ensemble La Reverdie, whose discs for the French label Arcana, although very different, also have some of the qualities that made Anonymous 4 so successful.

Other worldly bliss.......2006-03-25

The American Angels fly again from their permanent perch in heaven, inviting us all to accept this bliss. And they did this

recording many years ago. Timeless perfection and beauty.

Kim Thomas Hartman

Angelic Purity.......2006-01-20

It seems pointless to add another 5-star review to the list, but I have to. This CD is simply one of the most beautiful recordings ever made, and it touches your soul with every listening. If you are content, it will bolster and reinforce your tranquil mind. If you are sad or depressed, it will force tears from your eyes and rip sobs from your breast, setting you on the healing path. If you are happy, it will make you prance about your flat like a gleeful child.
It is wonderful as background music, and yet engaging enough for attentive listening. If you don't own this CD, you should buy it today.

Stunning and uplifting.......2005-10-11

The Ladymass is a special votive mass dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary - most major cathedrals would have a daily mass in the Lady chapel (a smaller worship space within the cathedral), and some churches would have special masses in honour of the Virgin on Saturdays. According to Hellauer, 'Of the English polyphony preserved from this time, almost all of which is sacred, roughly two-thirds is in honour of the Virgin.' The work here does not occur in one set piece as it might have back in the medieval times, for no complete records of this sort have survived. The Anonymous 4 have pieced together elements including chants, motets, and other mass elements to complete the task.

The voices of the Anonymous 4 are markedly different from men-and-boys choirs or monks that are typically the recording artists of this kind of music. It is often forgotten that such music was sung by women and monastic communities of nuns in the medieval time, too. One critic remarked, 'There is a captivating simplicity and directness about their performance, which naturally avoids many of the pitfalls of an overstretched attempt at reconstruction.' This is certainly true in this recording, which is wonderful in tone.

There is a spirit to the music. It is remarkable that a group with three sopranos and an alto could give such breadth and depth to the music, but it certainly is true of their performances. This particular recording is the first of theirs done for Harmonia Mundi.

-- Liner Notes --
This text accompaniment to this disc is very full, so much so that the booklet is not contained within the jewel case, but rather within a slipcover in which both the CD/jewel case and the booklet reside. The liner notes include a description of the work, a brief piece about the quartet, and the lyrics of the songs both in Latin and in translation - all repeated in English, German, and French sections.

-- Anonymous 4 --
Contrary to the implication of their name, the Anonymous 4 are not anonymous. This is a vocal quartet made up of Ruth Cunningham, Marsha Genensky, Susan Hellauer, and Johanna Rose at the time of this recording (Ruth Cunningham will later go on to a solo career early, and another member will join - Jacqueline Horner). They came together as a formal group in 1986, and have been ensemble-in-residence at St. Michael's Church in New York City, giving concert series in New York as well as throughout North America. They have been featured a number of times on national media in North America as well as Germany. They then went on to yet more success, eventually performing more that 1000 concerts worldwide.

Their specialty is working with chant, monophonic and polyphonic music, and working with medieval texts. According to one source, 'The group takes its name from an anonymous music theorist of the late 13th century, Anonymous IV, who is the principal source on the two famous composers of the Notre Dame school, Léonin and Pérotin.'

The group ended a touring career of nearly two decades in 2004.

Average customer rating:

Great choral music CD
a voice teacher and early music fan
Lovely!!!
Beautiful, but a little cold
The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble

The Essential Tallis Scholars

Manufacturer: Gimell UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tallis Scholars sing Palestrina
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ASIN: B00009NJ20
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Tracks:

Miserere
Ave Maria For Double Choir
Sicut Lilium I
Praeter Rerum Seriem
Pater Peccavi
Ego Flos Campi
Tota Pulchra Es
Descendi In Hortum Meum
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Salve Regina
Ave Regina Caelorum
Gloria

Tracks:

Media Vita
In Manus Tuas
O Nata Lux
Audivi Vocem
Exaudiat Te Dominus
Ah, Robin
Salve Regina
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Sanctus
Agnus Dei

Customer Reviews:

Great choral music CD.......2007-01-26

This CD is excellent - a "must have" for every collection. Beautiful voices, relaxing music.

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-01-08

The pieces on these two discs are taken from over fifteen years of recording by the Tallis Scholars, startng with the now-famous recording of Allegri's 'Miserere' from 1980. Allegri lived well into the Baroque era, dying in 1562, Therefore, he did not write the 'Miserere' in renaissance polyphony; and his chordal structure leaned toward the Baroque.
Victoria's 8-part 'Ave Maria' and Palestrina's 'Sicut lilium' are both pieces iln a contemplative mood, the first making direct reference to the Virgin Mary, and the second indirect reference to her via the poetry of the 'Song of Songs'. The remaining selections on Disc l, maintain the consistent, intense sonority of Flemish polyphony.
Disc 2 falls into two parts. The pieces by Sheppard, Tallis,White and Cornysh come from the first half of the sixteenth century and are part of the 'English School' of writing. Here the music is made up of long lines, more notes than syllables, with the emphasis on the part-writing and not the harmonic background.
The second part of Disc 2 is Byrd's five-part Mass, which was written in the 1590's for a recusant Catholic community. Byrd's music has drawn closer to the Flemish style; that is imitative voice parts, largely syllabic in setting with the occasional examples of word-paintings, and the voice parts closer together. But the mood has a different intensity than the writing on Disc one; darker and more questioning. Never was polyphony more passionate than in Byrd's masses,of which the five-part is the crowning achievement.
The members of the Tallis Scholars vary from year to year, and the list of participating singers is included in the accompanying booklet; but it does not tell you which singers are singing each year. That bothered me somewhat because I like to know to whom I am listening specifically. It does mention, however, that the solo group in Allegi's 'Miserere' is Alison Stamp (treble), Michael Chance (countertenor) Jane Armstrong and Julian Walker.
The recording is outstanding in every way. Perfect balance between the voices, perfect emotional investment, flawless dicton and the most beautiful vocal sounds you will ever hear; just Two and One-half hours of pure pleasure!!!!!

Lovely!!!.......2006-06-02

This set of CDs is truly wonderful. I am fond of sacred choral music and purchased the CD mostly to obtain the recording of Gregorio Allegri's "Miserere Mei." This song alone is worth buying the set. I heard it live by an excellent college choir in my hometown and immediately set out to find the best recording of it. Most buyers recommended this recording over the others. (By the way "Miserere Mei: by Gregorio is hard to find.) Additionally the other songs are also so relaxing, flowing, and meditative. I will be honest . . .the Tallis Scholars sing well but not as flawlessly as the Cambridge Singers. You will note that not every consanant is hit in unison, but this is not overly disturbing. (Still that is the only reason for giving four stars instead of five.) The sound is still lovely and the songs gorgeous. In Media Vita is another gorgeous song (first on second CD). If you haven't heard it, I'm sure you'll love the flowing melody!

Beautiful, but a little cold.......2006-02-06

The Tallis Scholars are the zenith of this type of singing, but sometimes they lack the vocal warmth that they probably could achieve if they were guided to do so. Still, this is a great CD, and even better for the 2 CDs of fine and uplifting singing.

The Greatest Hits of a Pioneer Ensemble.......2005-09-27

For years, Tallis Scholars have been quietly revolutionizing our recovery of sacred music. This is their "greatest hits" collection and quite great indeed. The Miserere which begins the set is alone worth the price of the set. The only fault with it is that it is so startling, so obviously genuine, that you will still be hearing it as you play through the rest of the set. The Scholars' ongoing recovery project only proves how integral music is to the human psyche, how essential the sacred is to basic human sanity. And how the severence of the two in the public space and the popular imagination -- the sacred from music -- has severely damaged us all en masse.

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