This is an interesting disc featuring two longish works and a short 'Regina coeli' that encompasses some of Mozart's most sublime sacred music.
'Vesperae solennes de confessore' receives a sturdy and balanced reading from Peter Neumann and his Collegium Cartusianum with the opening 'Dixit Dominus' particularly frivolous and energetic.
Cornelia Samuelis sings with energetic vigour whilst Benoit Haller's tenor voice is also something to be admired. The beautiful 'Beatus vir' is amongst the most treasured parts of this work which is again lovingly sung by the choir.
In the Missa solemnis we have an altogether more confident and stronger Mozart. From the very first notes of the 'Kyrie' you sense that this mass is out to emulate and even transcend Haydn's similarly Herculean efforts in the genre. Neumann and his forces are totally at one with the music and they turn out what can only be termed as a splendid interpretation.
My only quirk with this excellently recorded and documented release is its rather short playing time but otherwise, this is another outstanding release in what is looking to be a very rich Mozart year approaching.
Copyright © 2005, Gerald Fenech