Search - Franz Schubert, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra & Chor :: Schubert: Masses in A flat major & C major/Messe As-dur, D.678, Messe C-dur, D.452

Superb 'modern' masses. Buy It.

B. Marold | Bethlehem, PA United States | 08/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Franz Schubert's two masses in A-Flat Major and in C Major are delightful 'short' modern masses, if 'modern' in this case begins with Bach. While I am firmly in the camp which believes Bach's Mass in B-Minor is not only the greatest mass ever written, but literally the greatest piece of music ever written, it is so big that it is almost hard to take it all in. Shorter masses, for example Mozart's famous Requium Mass are much more manageable and one can even dream of commissioning a performance of such works. Except... I was listening to several different recordings of Mozart's 'unfinished' Requium and started wondering whether or not just about any tune, such as 'Happy Birthday to You' or 'Louie, Louie' wouldn't sound grand if it were performed by a large professional chorus in Vienna's Thomaskirche. Mozart's piece is stirring, but that may have as much to do with the setting as with the music. Shubert's masses, on the other hand definitely have something distinctive which raises them above not only the old traditional chanted liturgy, but also above his modern forebearers. So, for that something extra where the genuine feeling so evident in his Lieder shines through, you really must try these gems."