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Two strongly original composers and this final recording by James O'Donnell
as Master of Music of Westminster Cathedral sends him out on a real high
note. These are profoundly moving works, filled with mystical beauty and
a high content of dramatic urgency. In Kodaly's 'Missa Brevis' in particular,
O'Donnell's slow tempi provide for an unforgettable experience especially
in the mystical 'Kyrie' and gloriously moving 'Credo'. A certain palpable
sense of pathos can be felt running throughout this Mass and I cannot think
of it being done better, acoustically the recording is indeed superb in every
department balancing organ and choral forces with remarkable dexterity. 'Laudes
organi' is also given a splendid performance; here the organ is a constant
joy, a timely reminder of the brilliant contribution of Andrew Reid as
Westminster's resident organist. Finally we have Janacek's Mass in E flat
in an edition by Paul Wingfield. Although the work is short and brief there
is a typical Janacekian power and unorthodoxies about it that gives us a
glimpse of things to come. It comes alive in another brilliant performance
from the Westminster Choir that confirms its exalted status in this repertoire.
I've already waxed lyrical about the recording (vintage Anthony Howell) and
the notes and presentation are up to the highest Hyperion standards as is
expected nowadays. Running through that memorable Credo in Kodaly's Mass
reminded me of another stunning recording by that composer, this is the awesome
Decca recording of the Psalmus Hungaricus with Kertesz and the LSO. These
readings have similar weight and authority and should now be considered as
the definitive modern recordings for the works in question.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
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Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
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