Mozart: Rare Choral Works
By (artist) Gloriae Dei Cantores
- ISBN: 9781557254795
- Trim size: 0 x 0 inches
- Weight: 4 ounces.
- Publication Date: 01 Apr 2006
- Product ID: CD39
- Format: CD-Audio
A double CD of rarely recorded masterpieces—Exquisite sacred works by the great Classical genius!
The world has enjoyed the genius of Mozart through his symphonies, operas, chamber and piano music. In addition, his Requiem, left incomplete at his death, remains one of the most beloved of sacred choral works.
Gloriæ Dei Cantores presents a rare look at a side of Mozart that is not so well known: his contribution to music for the Church. Included in this recording are two rarely heard major works of great beauty and invention: Davide Penitente K. 469 and the Litaniae de venerabili altaris Sacramento K. 243. Also included are a further litany, several motets, and two of the famous church sonatas for small orchestra and organ, giving a rounded picture of Mozart, the sacred musician.
Mozart: Rare Choral Works will be a profound experience for the classical music lover and for those who are interested in the sacred side of one of the best-loved composers of all time.
All performances based on the New Mozart Edition (Neue Mozart-Ausgabe); used by permission of Baerenreiter, publisher and copyright owner.
Media
—Fanfare
"This is one of the more successful and thoughtfully programmed collections to appear so far in this Mozart Year, and although many of the works featured have been recorded multiple times--and quite well--the high quality of the performances here, and the presence of the truly and inexplicably rare oratorio Davide penitente, makes this set a very attractive and musically satisfying listen. As mentioned, the performances are very good, especially the finely executed, energetic, vibrant choral ensemble singing and the equally dynamic and tightly-knit orchestral accompaniment, expertly conducted by Richard Pugsley. In these areas, there are no weaknesses. . . the choral singing is really terrific! . . .richly rewarding, generously programmed CDs....this performance [of Davide penitente]...is a highlight--and the work absolutely deserves respect from today's choirs looking to celebrate the best of Mozart's vocal music. The recording, made in Gloriae Dei Cantores' home venue, the Church of the Transfiguration in Orleans, Massachusetts, is expertly engineered, offering realistic, detailed choral sound, properly balanced with the orchestra, in an acoustic that's warm yet enhanced with an enlivening resonance--ideal for this music. This is a set that should prove attractive to all Mozart lovers, especially valuable for its gathering together of rare works of real merit rather than rarely recorded works that should remain so. This is a real treat--an ambitious and justly rewarding addition to the Mozart recording catalog."
—Classics Today
—MozartForum.com
— American Record Guide
"I have...been an ardent fan of the work of the Gloriae Dei Cantores, and I have followed with avidity their superb work through the years. The Gloriae Dei Cantores have now reached yet another pinnacle, just when I was certain they had reached the highest peaks. The Mozart recording lit superb in every way: ensemble, authenticity of style, conviction of interpretation, sheer beauty of sound, and, above all, the spiritual glory of Mozart flawlessly expressed for us all to hear."—Gerre Hancock, Organist and Master of Choristers emeritus, Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue New York
"I cannot think of a greater, more inspiring, and exciting contribution to this 250th anniversary year of Mozart's birth that these two CD's of his more obscure and unjustly neglected choral works. The performances by the chorus Gloriae Dei Cantores and the instrumental ensemble Vox Caeli Sinfonia are uniformly excellent. The interpretation of these magnificent works is the first rate and accompanying booklet full of invaluable information about the works presented. This is a birthday present Mozart would have loved as well as everyone fortunate enough to own this wonderful set of CDs."
—Samuel Adler, Professor of Composition, The Juilliard School
"...Gloriae Dei Cantores sings with fervor and grace and with an obvious affection for all of this glorious music."—Philip Brunelle, Founder and Artistic Director, Vocal Essence
"Sound: clear and well produced; direction and musicality: professional sound quality; program notes: excellent, lucid and scholarly helpful. The choral singing is first rate."—Erna Schwerin, President, Friends of Mozart Inc.
"...the ensemble...as usual, gives an excellent performance...Gloriae Dei Cantores has been called the best amateur choir in the country. But amateur here refers only to the fact that the singers aren't paid. Their vocal quality and sensitivity are professional indeed....The performance showcases both the ensemble strength of Gloriae Dei Cantores and the skills of its soloists."
—The Lutheran