Search - Anton Bruckner, Daniel Norman :: Bruckner: Motets

Naxos does it again . . .

D. Kim Croft | 12/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The smaller Bruckner choral works are marvelous pieces, and despite the admiration they engender from choral affaciandos, they are underrepresented in the catalog.

In this recording, the Choir of St. Bride's Church (London) give a warm, beautiful accounting of these gems. Particularly fine is the first track, Os justi. In my mind, the Bruckner motets are optimally performed with a larger choir; but the twelve members of the St. Bride's choir sing admirably well, and their numbers are probably more in line with the forces Bruckner actually had at St. Florian's.Give it a try - for the price you can't go wrong . . ."

Exquisite music, but not the best recording

Caligula | George, Western Cape South Africa | 10/21/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this disc on the strength of the Penguin Guide's 3-star review. I am sorry to say that this was one of the rare instances where I could not agree with the Penguin's assessment. To be sure, the accoustic's great, and if you are a fan of the great English choral tradition you'll probably love this disc.



However, if you want a recording (especially of the locus iste) that has heart and presence, get the Jochum on Deutsche Grammophon. This Naxos was just too sterile for my taste.



"

Poor performance of Great music

Ryan Kelly | Longview, TX USA | 12/31/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to Bruckner's motets can be very enjoyable. I purchased this CD with high anticipation. Unfortunately, the choir's performance left much to be desired. Poor tuning, strained voices, and a lack of attention to sonority and nuance encouraged me to shelve this CD and look for a replacement."