Reviewed by Dave Massey

The beautiful soprano solo in the "Benidictus" of the "Missa Brevis in B flat and Mozart's incomparable gift of writing memorable tunes would on their own make this collection of short masses worth getting. Charles Brett, a male alto, brings a touch of Baroque authenticity, whilst Ruth Holton with her almost 'boy soprano' purity of voice, soars through her solos with the easy assurance of a nightingale. Included on this recording is the Mass in 'C, known as the "Sparrows Mass" because of the chirping violins in the Benedictus, and probably composed when Mozart was nnnnnn nineteen! A particularly magic moment of interplay between the soprano and the tenor in the "Gloria" of this mass is one of the highlights of this recording. The Quiristers of Winchester College and the Amadi orchestra give a sterling performance, and they haven't been let down - as so often happens - in the mix.

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