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Schubert: Masses / Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment, Vienna Boys' Choir

Schubert,F. / Weil,Bruno / Chorus Viennensis Release Date: 06/10/2016
Label: Sony Catalog #: 796449
Composer:  Franz Schubert Performer:  Georg Leskovich ,  Alexander Nader ,  Jörg Hering ,  Harry Van der Kamp  ...  Conductor:  Bruno Weil Orchestra/Ensemble:  Chorus Viennensis ,  Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment ,  Vienna Boys' Choir Number of Discs: 4

Reviews of some of the original recordings that make up this set:

Even the most fanatic Schubertophile would not place the Deutsche Messe at the head of a list of essential listening. Yet here it is presented in such an unpretentious and straightforward way that its very simplicity and lack of musical interest become its principal attractions. Bruno Weil makes no attempt to impose interpretative individuality on music designed purely for liturgical use: he is content merely to oversee neat ensemble and balance. The orchestra, consisting mainly of wind instruments, doubles the chorus parts (with seven out of the eight brief movements ending with a one-bar instrumental postlude) and while their role might seem largely Read more superfluous they do provide a comfortable cushion on which the choir can relax while making their way effortlessly through such unchallenging music.

It's a different story with the sparkling A flat Mass, but again Bruno Weil's understated direction results in an immensely satisfying performance. There is a youthful vigour and infectious enthusiasm here. Of course, much of that comes from the superb singing of the Vienna Boys' Choir (I've never enjoyed their sound as much as I do here). Their exuberant 'hosanna's in the Sanctus and Benedicius are more unashamedly joyful than music has a right to be. The two boy soloists sing with a musical maturity clearly way beyond their years, although Stefan Preyer's sharp top A flats in the Gloria's "Amen" could well disturb more sensitive ears. That is not to belittle the splendid contribution from the adult voices nor the exquisite playing of the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Weil achieves the perfect tonal blend: nothing disturbs the open-hearted honesty of this genuinely sincere performance. All in all, a disc to be treasured by even the most fanatic Schubertophobe.

– Gramophone

"Bruno Weil draws incandescent performances of Schubert's Masses from his fine team, helped by sound that is clearer and more detailed than on direct rival recordings. The combination of Viennese choirs - with the trebles of the Vienna Boys' Choir outstandingly full and fresh - and of a British period orchestra works superbly, making one appreciate, even more than with the Sawallisch versions, how seriously this area of Schubert's oeuvre has been underappreciated." – Penguin Guide [2003/4 Edition]
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