Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

If something appears on the Harmonia Mundi Gold label you know three things. In order of certainty, first: it is a re-issue, second it is at a fair price, and third, it is worth hearing. This CD confirms all three of these. This album first appeared in 1992 and has been re-issued on several occasions, once as an SACD and it can be confirmed that the sound quality on this latest re-issue is outstanding. The price is indeed a bargain for the CD and competitive for the download and it is most certainly well worth hearing. Philippe Herreweghe directs La Chapelle Royale, Collegium Vocale Gent, the Orchestra des Champs-Elysees and his soloists with an assured touch and gives us a version that stands comparison with any. It has to be said that this is not the only Mozart Mass in C available and no doubt keen Mozartians have already paid full price and made their comparisons but if you are thinking of this as your first choice you will not be disappointed. Herreweghe keeps things moving and his two soprano soloists, Christiane Oelze and Jennifer Larmore are well worth hearing. The men, while perfectly adequate, have much less to do as Mozart was writing to celebrate the recovery of his wife Constanze from serious illness and probably had her in mind to sing one of the soprano parts. However they do get a chance to shine in the accompanying "Meistermusik" (K. 477) for men's choir and orchestra. This was composed during Mozart's Masonic phase and while the content may not fit with a Mass musically it works well and should not be considered as mere filler.

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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