Customer Reviews

Beethoven: Missa, Op. 86

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I think the reason why Beethoven's Mass in C isn't as commonly recorded as his Missa Solemnis is because it isn't as complex and mature. Compared to the Missa Solemnis, this is much lighter and shorter (about 30 minutes shorter). It has the same classical feel that Mozart's masses bring out, so it won't remind you of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. These don't seem like good excuses to avoid this work, however. The "Mass in C" is still an enjoyable work, which proves that Beethoven is one of the great masters of choral works. From the "Kyrie" to the "Sanctus", it's great music that shouldn't be neglected when compared to the Missa Solemnis.

Helmuth Rilling gives a direct account of the score, and he does it well. There is no bombast, no stressing of lyricism, and no pondering whatsoever. The Bach-Collegium Stuttgart may not be the London Symphony or the Vienna Philharmonic, but they play very well and never make any mistakes. The Gachinger Kantorei Stuttgart is a fine choir, and they balance with the orchestra almost perfectly. Audio quality from Hanssler may lack the cathedral atmosphere that Harmonia Mundi brings, but it still succeeds in making the Mass in C a beautiful piece.