Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Volkmar Andreae, Vienna Symphony Orchestra :: Beethoven: Missa Solemnis

Fine live performance

F. Leto | Tucson,AZ | 03/08/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"
Just a short review of this live performance from 1955. I purchased the disc because I am a fan of TSR and I am familiar with the other soloists. I did not know the conductor, Andrae, but that was not a deal breaker for me. I must say I was very pleasantly surprised with the performance. TSR sings all her passages beautifully and, to me, that is worth the price of the disc by itself. The other soloists, who are experienced performers, sing very well. Since the Missa is a choral piece, obviously the chorus is very important. The Viennese chorus and Vienna Symphony acquit themselves very well, given this is a live performance. I was also very pleasantly surprised with the mono sound. It is clear and the soloists are well placed, even if the chorus is muddy at times. This may not be your desert island Missa Solemnis, but it is a fine alternate performance.

FYI For TSR fans: she also appears on a live performance with Horenstein from the BBC and a studio performance with Walberg and the Vienna Symphony circa 1964. I recommend both performances. In short, I highly recommend this disc. I will return to it often."