Search - Tom Krause, William Stone, Ludwig van Beethoven :: Beethoven: Missa Solemnis in D major, Op. 123; Mozart: Mass in C minor, K. 427 "The Great"

Accuracy does not equal greatness.

Orvis M. Fuller | Granville, OH United States | 09/29/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Sure, the chorus on this recording is without flaw, but that is hardly what makes a recording worth your while. Robert Shaw has no idea how to get the most out of an orchestra (though part of that is that the ASO is not exactly the world's finest). It bothers me that this amazing work of art can be performed with so little life. Mr. Shaw just seems to miss so much of what this score has to offer.



This recording was the first I ever heard of Beethoven's Solemn Mass, and it is through this recording I learned to love this magnificent piece of art, but believe me when I say that while Beethoven still shines through this recording, he is brought to life much more profoundly in other recordings. I highly recommend the Bernstein / Moser / Schwarz / Kollo / Moll recording with the Concertgebouworkest. It is through that recording that I understood the difference between a perfectionist (Shaw) and an artist (Berstein).

"

Neat singing!

Andriano Alvin Hartono | Surabaya, East Java (Indonesia) | 01/08/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Robert has always been my trademark to perfect choir recording. Performing this missa solemnis, the choir as always is very neat, no slips made during the whole song. Unfortunately, the I can't feel any passion of Beethoven in this performance. there's almost no spirit at all in it. But generally, it's beautiful and also a collectible one for Shaw's fan!"

Beautiful -- A Must-Have Recording of the "Missa"

Chas in CT | 04/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A stunningly gorgeous performance and recording of these two works, by the leading choral director/interpreter of the 20th century. Not to be missed."