Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

A quick glance in my CD Guide tells me that there are plenty of recordings of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis in D Major on CD and several on DVD and I know that I have heard only a fraction of them. However it is safe to say that the work is indispensable in any collection of sacred classical music and also safe to say that this new release is an easy recommendation. John Nelson brings out excellent performances from The Chamber Orchestra of Europe and The Gulbenkian Choir and the four featured vocalists, Tamara Wilson (soprano), Elizabeth Deshong (alto), Nikolai Schukoff (tenor) and Brindley Sheratt (bass) blend together very well. Visually this is a good presentation with varied camera positions that keep our attention without becoming distracting. As well as the 80 minutes of the concert we get over an hour of bonus features. Some are of only passing interest but the lengthy interview with conductor John Nelson is most illuminating and one that any admirer of Beethoven in general or this piece in particular will want to watch and return to.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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