Masses by Cherubini

[gprengel]

My greatest discovery for me in the recent weeks are the masses by Cherubini! I always adored the Requiems but now I got to know the other masses more.

Mass in E:  Gloria thru Agnus Dei are just wonderful, especially the intimate Agnus Dei is after the one from Beethoven's Missa Solemnis the most beautiful Agnus I know! Please listen to carefully:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHsdpKvyG_8&list=PLmPmYGowlsjw-1ZG3scN_ESRRnsQJap31&index=2


Missa in G: Gloria und Credo (starting at 7:20):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r74UZeetxXw&list=RDr74UZeetxXw&start_radio=1


Something very haunting is also the ACapella piece"Antifona sul canto" - in the way of Palestrina - heavenly!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPbsyjtBPsU&list=PLmPmYGowlsjw-1ZG3scN_ESRRnsQJap31&index=7

Great also is:

Messe in d: Gloria, Qui tollis, Fugue in Cum Sanctus

                 Credo Amen Fugue + Sanctus + Dona Nobis

Now I understand why Beethoven regarded Cherubini so highly ..

[Hector]

Totally agree. Our understanding and discography of religious music from that period is dominated by the first Viennese school, but they weren't the only ones writing significant church music.   

[John H White]

I too have been a great admirer of Cherubini's choral sound ever since I obtained a CD of his  celebrated Requiem. From this I can see where Beethoven got his choral style for the 9th Symphony finale, Beethoven also being a great admirer of Cherubini.  The 2 above postings have certainly whetted my appetite for more of his mass settings. Many thanks gentlemen.
        Cheers,
               John

[gprengel]

You may also listen to 3 movements from Cherubinis last mass in A from 1825,  (Offertorium, Sanctus and O Salutaris), starting at 30:40:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6a2Ha4QJdU

It is so unbelievably beautiful !