Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Bruno Weil, Viennensis Chorus :: Franz Schubert: Mass in A flat major, D 678/Deutsche Messe, D 872

From the review in 'Gramophone'

Record Collector | Mons, Belgium | 10/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Even the most fanatic Schubertophile would not place the Deutsche Messe at the head of a list of essential listening. Yet here it is presented in such an unpretentious and straightforward way that its very simplicity and lack of musical interest become its principal attractions. Bruno Weil makes no attempt to impose interpretative individuality on music designed purely for liturgical use: he is content merely to oversee neat ensemble and balance. The orchestra, consisting mainly of wind instruments, doubles the chorus parts (with seven out of the eight brief movements ending with a one-bar instrumental postlude) and while their role might seem largely superfluous they do provide a comfortable cushion on which the choir can relax while making their way effortlessly through such unchallenging music.



"It's a different story with the sparkling A flat Mass, but again Bruno Weil's understated direction results in an immensely satisfying performance. There is a youthful vigour and infectious enthusiasm here. Of course, much of that comes from the superb singing of the Vienna Boys' Choir (I've never enjoyed their sound as much as I do here). Their exuberant 'hosanna's in the Sanctus and Benedictus are more unashamedly joyful than music has a right to be. The two boy soloists sing with a musical maturity clearly way beyond their years, although Stefan Preyer's sharp top A flats in the Gloria's 'Amen' could well disturb more sensitive ears. That is not to belittle the splendid contribution from the adult voices nor the exquisite playing of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Weil achieves the perfect tonal blend: nothing disturbs the open-hearted honesty of this genuinely sincere performance. All in all, a disc to be treasured by even the most fanatic Schubertophobe."

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'American Record Guide' Has This To Say

Carissima | Magnolia State | 10/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""I've lived happily with Wolfgang Sawallisch's account of the Mass inE-flat (EMI Studio 69222) and have never really felt compelled to search elsewhere for others. But I am pleased this release dropped into my lap, since Maestro Weil presides over a buoyant, enthusiastic reading that should please both newcomers to Schubert's setting of the liturgy and those already charmed by its songful radiance. As Sony's cast of characters suggests, Weil takes the period route, but the medium never overwhelms the message. No stilted phrases are allowed. The singers and players express themselves in a bright, involving manner. The orchestral soloists, clarinetist Anthony Pay in particular, croon with all the mellifluous poetry you'd want to hear in Schubert's delectable writing. The Kyrie flows smoothly and affectionately, while the Gloria bursts at the seams with youthful ardor. Where Sawallisch seeks out the music's ethereal qualities, Weil goes more for sweetness and charm, with results that are often delightful, if less devotional. You might feel a need for more goosebumps at 'Et in terra pax' and 'Et incarnatus est,' but I defy you to listen to Weil's handling of Schubert's perky Hosannas and not crack a smile! And where emphasis is called for, his troops deliver. The 'Cum sancto spiritu' fugue is positively nailed, as are the final Amens of the Credo.



"Only on occasion did I find myself homesick for Sawallisch. Weil's boy sopranos sometimes disappear in pianissimo passages, and there are fortes that tend toward shrillness. Sawallisch's Bavarian Radio players achieve a more secure entry in the horn calls of the Sanctus, while Helen Donath and Brigitte Fassbaender are clearly preferable to Weil's pre-teen treble soloists. Don't kill yourself comparison-shopping though, for both Well and Sawallisch fit together snugly in any Schubert collection. EMI pairs the work with Sawallisch's lovely performance of Schubert's brief, Mozart-like C-major Mass while Sony serves the Deutsche Messe, which is not really a mass at all but a group of hymn-like motets for choir, organ, and winds that correspond roughly to the subdivisions of the liturgy. It's not top-drawer Schubert by any means, but the performance is warm and sincere. Sony's sound is exceptionally good.""