COMPOSERS: Beethoven/Mozart
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Missa solemnis; Mass in C minor, K427
PERFORMER: Heather Harper, Edith Mathis, Helen Donath (soprano), Janet Baker (mezzo), Theo Altmeyer, Robert Tear (tenor), Hans Sotin, Franz Crass (bass); New Philharmonia Chorus, LPO/Carlo Maria Giulini, South German Madrigal Choir, SW German CO/Wolfgang Gönnenwein
CATALOGUE NO: CMS 5 65827 2 ADD
EMI’s packaging is bizarre, but Giulini’s 1976 Missa solemnis sounds as good as ever. By modern standards it is spacious in every respect, but therein lies the charm of any Giulini performance, and he is superbly served by the fervent contributions of the New Philharmonia Chorus and LPO. All four soloists sing well, Robert Tear particularly so. Wolfgang Gönnenwein’s older version of the Mozart C minor Mass sounds effortful and unappealing in this company. Stephen Maddock
Beethoven/Mozart: Missa solemnis; Mass in C minor, K427
EMI’s packaging is bizarre, but Giulini’s 1976 Missa solemnis sounds as good as ever. By modern standards it is spacious in every respect, but therein lies the charm of any Giulini performance, and he is superbly served by the fervent contributions of the New Philharmonia Chorus and LPO. All four soloists sing well, Robert Tear particularly so. Wolfgang Gönnenwein’s older version of the Mozart C minor Mass sounds effortful and unappealing in this company. Stephen Maddock
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:06 pm