Search - Anton Bruckner, Matthew Best, Thomas Trotter :: Bruckner: Requiem; Psalms 112 and 114

A masterful performance of an overlooked masterpiece.

Are Johannes Solberg | Oslo, Norway | 07/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bruckner's Requiem of 1849 is a masterpiece of choral works, drawing it's vibrant energy both from the baroque tradition of masters like Bach and Vivaldi and the composer's contemporary early romanticism. It is, by all measures, a massive and highly dramatic creation, and though it is much more 'available' to a mass public than many other comparable choral works, it is also a work that can distinguish the master performers from the mediocre.



The Requiem in D minor is considered Anton Bruckner's first major orchestral/choral work and the instrumental setting is grand with both organ, symphonic orchetra and a full chorus, besides the very important group of trombones that add a vibrant and vital sonic bridge between the bass of the organ and the light, busy strings.



Hyperion's recording with the English Chamber Orchestra and the Corydon Singers, conducted by Matthew Best, is probably the best recording ever of this dramatic masterwork. The recording and mastering is fully digital and the often subtle melodic components are fully distinguishable through the massive expression. Bruckner's use of the busy orchestral strings are painted over with a more slowly moving vocal pattern, often held up by the organ and trombones that set a remarkable tone to the work. Every single aspect of Bruckner's original vision seems fulfilled under Matthew Best's supervision, with the elegant performances by an ensemble of masterful performers. This recording is highly recommended to anyone fond of grand choral/orchestral work - a true milestone in classical recording and performance."

Not quite all it should be, but the only recording that one

COLOBARI | all over the world | 04/06/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well the point of this recording is Bruckner's Requiem, an early work. It is competently recorded, but not spectacular. The piece, as the insert notes suggest, sounds a great deal like Haydn or perhaps Mozart, but with somewhat more interesting harmony. The soloists, overall, seem to be better than the chorus, which I found bland and pallid sounding. I was unable to locate another recording of the work. I suppose that another ensemble should make a stab at a slightly more theatrical take of the piece, and then buyers could choose which viewpoint they prefer. Interestingly, it is scored for only strings and three trombones, chorus, and solo quartet. Which for Bruckner is not so very odd in terms of orchestration, but it certainly sticks out from other works of the era. There are also recordings of two Psalm settings, which I like (I also like his motets very much). Again the choral sound is perhaps a bit pallid for German romantic era music, but it is competently performed."