Search - Michael Haydn, Pal Nemeth, Judit Nemeth :: Michael Haydn: Missa Hispanica

Almost a great performance

Thomas R. Murnan | Omaha, Nebraska | 11/16/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I am not a musician, but I love 18th century missae. If I hadn't heard another interpretation of Missa Hispanica on the radio years ago, and recorded it and listened to it frequently, I would have thought this production by Istvan Kovacs pretty good. However, the radio version was so much more inspired and lively, it has lead me to think that Kovacs doesn't understand the essential nature of the work. It is probably one of Michael Haydn's best Missae, but Kovacs' pace is just too slow on a number of movements. Everytime I hear these mass parts that are stodgy (about half the mass), I feel like jumping up and telling him to pick up the pace. Kovacs' interpretation is missing the essential energy and joie de vivre of this prayer to God. Unfortunately, I was not able to capture the conductor or orchestra on my recording of the radio version. This is a good, but not great interpretation, better than nothing since I have never seen another recorded version available. Contrast this to Domonkos Heja's interpretation of J Michael Haydn's Missa Sancta Theresiae, which is also for sale at Amazon. This interpretation is spot on, lively, well paced, lyrical, and an absolute joy to behold. It has become my favorite mass, even surpassing Mozart's efforts.



Thomas Murnan"