Search - Daniel Reuss, D-Rias-Kammerchor Reuss, d. Reuss :: Frank Martin: Messe; Olivier Messiaen: Cinq Rechants / RIAS Kammerchor / Daniel Reuss

Superb Performances of Major Martin & Messiaen Choral Works

Nicholas A. Deutsch | New York, NY USA | 05/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Mass for Unaccompanied Double Choir is now the most frequently recorded work by the great Swiss composer Frank Martin (1890-1974) - testimony to its direct musical & spiritual appeal, and especially astonishing for a piece that had to wait nearly 40 years after its completion (in 1926) for its premiere! The hauntingly beautiful five Songs of Ariel (1950) make up Martin's most important a cappella choral work on profane texts, and his only English-language settings - passages from Shakespeare's Tempest; typically, the longest piece focuses on serious themes of guilt, retribution and mercy. Both works receive exceptional performances here, as do the 2 formidably challenging Messiaen works, again one secular - the wild, unbuttoned Cinq Rechants (1948), with mixed French/invented tongue text referencing Tristan & Yseult, Orpheus, etc. - and one sacred, the brief but moving O sacrum convivium (1937). Conductor Daniel Reuss and the RIAS Chamber Chorus have done themselves and these inspired composers proud. I can't think of another recent disk of great 20th century choral music that has given me more pleasure and satisfaction. Highly recommended!"