COMPOSERS: Beethoven/Reger
LABELS: DG Originals
WORKS: Missa solemnis
PERFORMER: Maria Stader (soprano), Marianna Radev (contralto), Anton Dermota (tenor), Josef Greindl (bass)St Hedwig’s Cathedral Choir, Berlin PO/Karl Böhm
CATALOGUE NO: 449 737-2 ADD mono 1955/57
DG’s ‘Originals’ series has restored several important gems to the catalogue, but I’m afraid this 1955 Missa solemnis sounds its age. The soloists have their moments (soprano Maria Stader especially), but the choir is too small and imprecise to make much of an impression. Add to this some poor ensemble, a charmless violin soloist in the Benedictus, and the fact that Böhm’s view of Beethoven is desperately unimaginative, and you have a performance which would be well down my list of favourite recordings. The Reger provides some compensation. Stephen Maddock
Beethoven/Reger
DG’s ‘Originals’ series has restored several important gems to the catalogue, but I’m afraid this 1955 Missa solemnis sounds its age. The soloists have their moments (soprano Maria Stader especially), but the choir is too small and imprecise to make much of an impression. Add to this some poor ensemble, a charmless violin soloist in the Benedictus, and the fact that Böhm’s view of Beethoven is desperately unimaginative, and you have a performance which would be well down my list of favourite recordings. The Reger provides some compensation. Stephen Maddock
Our rating
3
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:30 pm