Search - Bavarian Radio Choir and Orchestra :: Mozart: Mass in C Minor, K 427; Exultate, jubilate, K 165; Ave Verum Corpus, K 618

If you love Bernstein's Mahler's 8th...

J. Schofield | Cirque Du Soleil | 09/18/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Then you'll love this disc. It has the typical unexpected dramatic and sometimes outright bizarre (as in not written by the composer in the score) touches Bernstein is noted for. The orchestral playing is very good, but I find the choral performance average; the consistency of the singing by the choir is my complaint here. The highly respected soloists do an admirable job. But overall, I find the performance bloated, especially in the Cum Santu Spiritu: After the wonderful and reverant opening the pace is much slower than Mozart's score indicates. It's as if Lenny was trying to milk the reverence factor by 10. This disc is not a bad performance, but in my humble opinion I don't feel that Bernstein shines in choral works like this. Bernstein performs best in works, like Pictures at an Exhibition, where his unique and grandiose views work well, especially in phrasing. His symphonic Mozart is great though. This disc is what I would think Stowkowski's version would sound like if he did the Mozart Mass in C min."

Grand and imposing, a major winner from Bernstein's last yea

dv_forever | Michigan, USA | 04/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This sweeping account of the C Minor Mass was the first CD I ever owned of the piece. Initially I was not satisfied but it grew on me. Every other version I've auditioned over the years, whether on modern or period instruments has met with my disapproval in one regard or another. Not even Karajan, ( my favorite conductor ), matches Bernstein here. There is a forthright passion throughout and due reverence. It sounds like a spiritual experience, not a jog through the park with your ipod. For that, go to Gardiner.



Arleen Auger's ethereal soprano is the star here among the soloists. I haven't heard a more beautiful rendition of the opening movement's solo yet. All the big moments in the piece come off with striking authority and the organ is well placed, prominent but not intrusive. With Karajan on his Gold CD, the organ is buried behind the orchestra and chorus.



Looks like someone posted the Kyrie Eleison video as part of their review. This live performance is available on DVD from which that clip springs. It's filmed in a cathedral and has a sense of occasion. I prefer the CD myself. Close your eyes and be lifted to the heavens by pure sound..."

Superb

Ben Hodges | Atlanta | 06/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard few other renditions of Mozart's "Great Mass," but there's no reason to after having heard Bernstein's. You may feel some premonitions buying a Bernstein product as many other reviewers on this page have--but throw them out! This recording is absolutely supreme."