Beethoven: Missa Solemnis & Mass in C Major [IMPORT]

Hans Sotin (Performer), Marius Rintzler (Performer), Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Carlo Maria Giulini (Conductor), Janet Baker (Performer), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), New Philharmonia Orchestra (Orchestra), Elly Ameling (Performer), Heather Harper (Performer), Robert Tear (Performer), Theo Altmeyer (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Hans Sotin, Marius Rintzler, Janet Baker, Elly Ameling, Heather Harper, et al.
• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra
• Conductor: Carlo Maria Giulini
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (August 5, 2002)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: Angel Records
• ASIN: B000006DEQ
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #181,382 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indisputably sublime., June 27, 1999

By A Customer

Possibly the greatest recording of what may be the greatest musical work ever composed. Of course, there can be no one winner in either category. But the "Missa Solemnis" fuses deep spirituality with Beethoven's exploratory temperament and thus redefines faith itself as openness to novelty. Among recordings, Giulini's belongs for me beside Karajan's different but equally magnificent interpretation. If Karajan conveys Beethoven's rhythmic energy, Giulini makes time and space for cosmic vastness, mysterious quiet, and urgently human suffering and compassion. The soloists, in particular Janet Baker, give these unforgettable voice

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quietly ecstatic., January 25, 2001

By	darragh o'donoghue (dublin, ireland) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

You might expect Beethoven masses to ring with monumental sublimity, and there are some tremendously exciting and violent movements in both these masses, when the soul contained by the everyday grind seems to exult in its unexpected release. The real joy of the Messa Solemnis, however, lies in the detail, the delicate clarity of certain passages; the extraordinary 'Sanctus', for instance, where a long violin of intricate beauty, quietly accompanied by slow orchestra gives on to the rapt singing; or the audacity of the closing 'Dona Nobis Pacim', where a startlingly secular fugue clashes with triumphal brass and rejoicing singing to create a Charles Ives effect of singular modernity.

The Mass in C is more conventional in its effects, playing like a brooding 'Messiah', but there is still plenty of exhilirating invention.

In the hands of a Karajan, this could have been a blodge of 'sublime' noise, but Guilini patiently picks out every note, unveiling a detailed tapestry of sound. If his playing is perhaps more worldly than we might expect from sacred music, than this astonishing cast of singers - Baker, Harper, Tear - are more than capable of spiritually transporting us.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable....especially Mass in C, May 5, 2005

By	dm "danmc15" (rochester, ny) - See all my reviews

Surprisingly could not find this recording listed in any of my guides...not sure why it's missing.

I did find it in a used record store and decided to take a chance...I find the sound and performances wonderful, although admittedly I can't say that I can compare and contrast between other renditions. No need to worry about sound quality or quality of performances.

I do find the Mass in C especially compelling and a worthy accompanient to the Missa Solemnis.