Gounod Hartemann Barbirolli - St Cecile Mass (12 tracks) +Album Reviews

Listen with pleasure

J. C Clark | Overland Park, KS United States | 04/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the only performance of the Gounod mass I know. Had it on LP years ago, bought the CD, and it is better than I remember. An old recording, but lovely transfer and delectable sound. Gounod is a sadly underappreciated composer; the guy could write a memorable tune, and in this mass he wrote several. This works as religious and as choral music. A stirring Credo, a galvanizing Kyrie, and a glorious Agnus Dei are just some of the highlights. This is a massive, important work, lovingly performed by a clearly attentive team. The soloists shine, the orchestra is great. And considering the bargain cost and the great pairing--quite a change of pace but a scrumptious little piece--this is a delightful disc that will get a lot of use in your CD player."

THE best recording of Gounod's Messe Solennelle de Sainte Ce

Jay Young | Austin, TX USA | 11/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gounod's "Messe Solennelle de Saint Cecile" was one of the last masses of the Romantic era that was actually used in a liturgical setting for a time, and probably the best. Most romantic-era masses were simply written for the concert hall- Beethoven's Missa Solemnis comes to mind. Gounod's great work is an exception, and this is the best recording of it. Though it was recorded in the 1950s, it has been preserved and restored admirably. Furthermore, the soloists in "Gloria" and "Sanctus" reach just the right balance between the lyrical and operatic sound that the music requires. In every other recording I've heard, the soloists either sing it in the syle of an art song or an opera aria, neither which does the music justice. Highly recommended."

Still The Best Recording of this work!

A. Craig | Grand Junction,CO | 06/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"EMI has done me and many others a great favor by re-issuing this
recording of Gounod's Messe Solonnelle de Sainte Cecile on CD
in their Encore series. This is the second time this recording has been issued on CD the first was in their Studio series. Frankly this recording makes the digital recording by Georges Pretre also made by EMI as an attempt to replace this one in the catalog pale into complete insignificance by the comparison.
and having the Petite Symphony as a filler is only icing on the cake. Also the price makes this a clear first choice."

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