Schubert, Immortal Bach Ensemble, Leipziger Kammerorchester, Morten Schuldt-Jens - Mass No 5

Published Tuesday 22nd February 2011
Schubert, Immortal Bach Ensemble, Leipziger Kammerorchester, Morten Schuldt-Jens - Mass No 5
Schubert, Immortal Bach Ensemble, Leipziger Kammerorchester, Morten Schuldt-Jens - Mass No 5

STYLE: Choral
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 107667-
LABEL: Naxos Choral Music 8572114
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Sometimes I do some research before listening but this time I played first and read later. My first impression was favourable. Franz Schubert (1797-1828) had a gift for melody and this setting of the Mass is certainly melodic. In places I thought it a touch operatic, showy even, which did not spoil my enjoyment of it as music but did raise questions as to the composer's sincerity. On consideration I came to realise that there is no way I am equipped to make any sort of judgment on any composer's feelings about his work. It may appear to lack conviction to me but only those who knew the composer's situation and personality can begin to have any hope of understanding his state of mind. However I was interested to discover that Schubert considered this to be his best setting of the Mass and that he used it as a showcase as he looked for further commissions. It needs a substantial choir and orchestra to do it justice so only larger establishments would have been able to use it and on this budget-priced CD the Immortal Bach Ensemble and the Leipziger Kammerorchester do not let us down. Also included is a charming 'Magnificat' that reminds us of Schubert's fellow Austrian, Haydn. If you have been following this series of Masses this particular disc gives you no reason to stop and if you have yet to explore Schubert's religious works this is no bad place to start.

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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