Search - Haydn, Rebel Baroque Orchestra, Burdick :: Haydn: Complete Masses [Box Set]

After The Creation, still more glory

Michael Berger | Atlanta, Ga | 01/01/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To cut to the chase: this is a superb set, the best complete set of the Haydn Masses. It's a period instrument, small chorus performance but that doesn't mean in any way that it lacks drama or fervor. What shines through this set is Haydn's energy: whether expressed as joy, contemplation, or drama. This is a notably joyful set, extremely well conducted, mostly by J. Owen Burdict, but after his leaving Trinity Church (the gossip possibilities here are still open), the remainder were recorded with Jane Glover. One smiles often while listening. The chorus and orchestra are superb, the soloists fine with especial mention of Burdick's soprano, Ann Hoyt.

The Haydn Masses represent choral music from all parts of Haydn's life, including the six masses from the end of his life, the period also of his oratorias. They are splendid works, lacking only the fury and insane majesty of the Beethoven Missa Solemnis, the majesty and beauty of the Mozart Requiem, and the lyricism of Schubert's Eb Mass, to be among the greatest masses of the classic and early romantic periods. They are merely great: in a sense, Haydn pays for the fact that he is too sane: none of his pieces reach the utmost of intensity as Beethoven's or Schubert's often do. And his vocal music is not as lyrically magical as Mozart's.

But enough of comparison. These are great works in great performances. Any lover of The Creation will love these works."

A Fresh Interpretation of the Haydn Masses

Mildred Kuner | ITHACA, NEW YORK, US | 05/29/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is surely the finest of the complete Haydn Masses, almost all of them conducted by Owen Burdick who selected and trained his outstanding choir. A special asset in the soparano, Ann Hoyt.The use of period instruments gives the music authenticity and delivers the glory of Haydn's music. Particularly impressive are the "Stabat Mater" and the "Mariazellermesse". All in all, an unforgettable experience, highly recommended."