Schöpfungsmesse and Harmoniemesse

Track Listings
Disc: 1
1. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Kyrie    
2. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Gloria in excelsis Deo    
3. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Quoniam tu solus Sanctus    
4. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: In gloria Dei Patris    
5. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Credo in unum Deum    
6. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Et incarnatus est    
7. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Et resurrexit    
8. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Et vitam venturi saeculi    
9. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Sanctus    
10. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Benedictus    
See all 12 tracks on this disc
Disc: 2
1. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Kyrie    
2. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Gloria in excelsis Deo    
3. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Gratias agimus tibi    
4. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Quoniam tu solus Sanctus    
5. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Credo in unum Deum    
6. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Et incarnatus est    
7. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Et resurrexit    
8. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Et vitam venturi saeculi    
9. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Sanctus    
10. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Benedictus    
See all 12 tracks on this disc

Schöpfungsmesse and Harmoniemesse, Music, Franz Joseph Haydn, Ruth Ziesak, Bernarda Fink, Christoph Pregardien, Oliver Widmer, Joanne Lunn, Sara Mingardo, Topi Lehtipuu, Brindley Sherratt, John Eliot Gardiner, Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, Chamber Music & Recitals, Choral, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Mass
Haydn: 6 Great Masses
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • the grand experience wears thin
  • In response to previous reviewer...
  • Haydn for the new millennium
Haydn: 6 Great Masses

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Haydn: Die Schöpfung (The Creation) / Gardiner, The English Baroque Soloists
  2. Haydn: The Seasons
  3. Haydn: The "Sturm und Drang" Symphonies
  4. Beethoven - Missa Solemnis / Margiono * Robbin * Kendall * Miles * EBS * Gardiner
  5. Mozart: Zaide

ASIN: B0000C41W5
Release Date: 2004-01-13

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.
Schöpfungsmesse and Harmoniemesse
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The New Standard for These Great Choral Works
Schöpfungsmesse and Harmoniemesse
Brindley Sherratt , John Eliot Gardiner , Monteverdi Choir , and English Baroque Soloists
Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Haydn: Heiligmesse; Paukenmesse
  2. Haydn: Harmoniemesse/Salve Regina
  3. Dvorak: Lieder
  4. Haydn: Nelsonmesse; Theresienmesse

ASIN: B0000641FZ
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

  1. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Kyrie
  2. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Gloria in excelsis Deo
  3. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Quoniam tu solus Sanctus
  4. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: In gloria Dei Patris
  5. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Credo in unum Deum
  6. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Et incarnatus est
  7. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Et resurrexit
  8. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Et vitam venturi saeculi
  9. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Sanctus
  10. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Benedictus
  11. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Agnus Dei
  12. Schopfungsmesse, Hob. XXII:13: Dona nobis pacem

Tracks:

  1. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Kyrie
  2. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Gloria in excelsis Deo
  3. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Gratias agimus tibi
  4. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Quoniam tu solus Sanctus
  5. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Credo in unum Deum
  6. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Et incarnatus est
  7. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Et resurrexit
  8. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Et vitam venturi saeculi
  9. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Sanctus
  10. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Benedictus
  11. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Agnus Dei
  12. Harmoniemesse, Hob. XXII:14: Dona nobis pacem

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The New Standard for These Great Choral Works.......2002-10-12

Gardiner brings to Haydn the sure hand that he applies to his famous Handel recordings such as "Solomon." His new recording of the last two Haydn masses has all the great virtues of Gardiner's best Philips Handel recordings: brisk tempi that create excitement without ever overwhelming detail, utmost care in shaping phrases, and choral-orchestral forces second to none in terms of responsiveness. The Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque soloists are now almost certainly the finest body working in the eighteenth-century choral repertoire.

And the Philips engineers bring to this recording the winning strategies they've employed in Gardiner's celebrated Handel discs: no foggy church-like accoustic for them. The music emerges with the clarity and impact of a slightly lively concert hall. This results in truly equal billing for chorus and orchestra. Every word, every orchestral flourish (especially the brass, never better recorded in a Haydn mass) emerge with superb clarity.

If I have one tiny complaint it is that some of the soloists in the Harmoniemesse don't match the tonal beauty of their counterparts in the Schopfungsmesse. But both sets of soloists blend perfectly in ensemble numbers, so I feel churlish raising this objection.

Given that Philips has decided to include these two masses, with over 80 minutes' worth of music, on two CDs for the price of one, this recording also represents a real bargain for those who want the late masses of Haydn--not short fillers. Gardiner's Haydn mass series should be a great one, and I'm happy to recommend with warmth the first installment.
Haydn: The Masses
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Thank you, Haydn
  • GLORIA !
Haydn: The Masses

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Franz Joseph HaydnAll Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0000042DO
Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

  1. Missa 'Rorate coeli desuper' - H XXXII 3: Kyrie - Gloria - Credo - Sanctus - Benedictus - Agnus Dei
  2. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Kyrie - Kyrie eleison
  3. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Kyrie - Christe eleison
  4. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Kyrie - Kyrie eleison
  5. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Gloria In Excelsis Deo
  6. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Laudamus te
  7. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Gratias agimus
  8. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Domine Deus
  9. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Qui tollis
  10. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Quoniam
  11. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Gloria - Cum Sancto Spiritu - Credo
  12. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Credo in unum Deum
  13. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Et incarnatus est
  14. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Crucifixus
  15. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Et resurrexit
  16. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Sanctus
  17. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Credo - Benedictus
  18. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Agnus Dei - Agnus Dei
  19. Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae - Missa Sanctae Caeciliae - Cacilenmesse, HXXII 5: Agnus Dei - Dona nobis pacem

Tracks:

  1. Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Kyrie
  2. Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Gloria
  3. Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Credo
  4. Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Sanctus
  5. Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Benedictus
  6. Missa brevis in F - H XXII 1: Agnus Dei
  7. Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Kyrie
  8. Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Gloria
  9. Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Credo
  10. Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Sanctus
  11. Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Benedictus
  12. Schopfungsmesse - Creation Mass, H XXII 13: Agnus Dei

Tracks:

  1. Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Kyrie
  2. Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Gloria
  3. Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Credo
  4. Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Sanctus
  5. Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Benedictus
  6. Missa in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Agnus Dei
  7. Heiligmesse: Kyrie
  8. Heiligmesse: Heiligmesse - 2 Gloria
  9. Heiligmesse: Heiligmesse - 3 Credo
  10. Heiligmesse: Heiligmesse - 4 Sanctus
  11. Heiligmesse: Heiligmesse - 5 Benedictus
  12. Heiligmesse: Heiligmesse - 6 Agnus Dei

Tracks:

  1. Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Kyrie
  2. Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Gloria
  3. Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Credo
  4. Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Sanctus
  5. Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Benedictus
  6. Missa Sancti Nicolai - H XXII 6: Agnus Dei
  7. Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Kyrie
  8. Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Gloria
  9. Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Credo
  10. Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Sanctus
  11. Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Benedictus
  12. Theresienmesse - H XXII 12: Agnus Dei

Tracks:

  1. Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Kyrie - J. Haydn
  2. Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Gloria - J. Haydn
  3. Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Credo - J. Haydn
  4. Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Sanctus - J. Haydn
  5. Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Benedictus - J. Haydn
  6. Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo - Kleine Orgelmesse - H XXII 7: Agnus Dei - J. Haydn
  7. Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Kyrie - J. Haydn
  8. Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Gloria - J. Haydn
  9. Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Credo - J. Haydn
  10. Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Sanctus - J. Haydn
  11. Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Benedictus - J. Haydn
  12. Harmoniemesse - H XXII 14: Agnus Dei - J. Haydn

Tracks:

  1. Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Kyrie
  2. Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Gloria
  3. Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Credo
  4. Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Sanctus
  5. Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Benedictus
  6. Missa Cellensis - Mariazeller Messe, H XXII 8: Agnus Dei
  7. Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Kyrie
  8. Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Missa in tempore belli - 2 Gloria
  9. Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Credo
  10. Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Sanctus
  11. Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Benedictus
  12. Missa in tempore belli - Paukenmesse, H XXII 9: Agnus Dei

Tracks:

  1. Missa in angustiis: Kyrie
  2. Missa in angustiis: Gloria - Gloria in excelsis Deo
  3. Missa in angustiis: Gloria - Qui tollis peccata mundi
  4. Missa in angustiis: Gloria - Quoniam tu solus sanctus
  5. Missa in angustiis: Credo - Credo in unum Deum
  6. Missa in angustiis: Credo - Et incarnatus est
  7. Missa in angustiis: Credo - Et resurrexit
  8. Missa in angustiis: Sanctus
  9. Missa in angustiis: Benedictus
  10. Missa in angustiis: Agnus Dei
  11. Missa in angustiis: Agnus Dei - Dona nobis pacem

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

Track Listings:

  1. Scharwenka: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2
  2. Schoenberg in Hollywood
  3. Schubert: String Quintet, D.956
  4. Schubert: The Complete Symphonies [Import]
  5. Sibelius: Theatre Music - Scottish Chamber - Swensen
  6. So Great a Joy
  7. Souvenir - Michala Petri & Lars Hannibal - Music for Recorder & Lute - Telemann, Bach, Koppel, Krahmer, Vivaldi, etc.
  8. Suk: Piano Quintet; Piano Quartet
  9. The Complete Brunswick Recordings
  10. The History of the Musical

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I'm Here for You

Mein Schonster Traum [Enhanced] [Import]

John Alden Carpenter: Collected Piano Works

Hopelessly Marginal [Explicit Lyrics]

Jacquet's Got It!

Mermaid Avenue

Latin Carnival [Import]

Essential Latin Flavas

Make Right the Time

For Louis