Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Michael Halasz, Budapest Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia :: Mozart: Mass in C minor, K427 / Kyrie in D minor, K341

Great performance, exemplary recording

Lawrence V. Mendoza | Northern California | 03/29/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just purchased this version of Mozart's Great Mass, and I was struck by the quality of the recording. This is the first Nexus CD I have ever purchased, and I was duly impressed - well balanced, substantial headroom and clarity - it really allowed the performance by this little known but highly talented orchestra and chorus to shine. The soloists are unfamiliar to me, but their performances are strong and disciplined - the sopranos are noticeably gifted, but all vocal performances are tight and sharp. This piece is perhaps my favorite Mozart, as it was his only noncommissioned piece - he created this Mass out of a strong desire to use his gifts in the service of the Church, and they shine particularly brightly here - you've never heard a Mass quite like this! With the quality of both the performance and the recording, it really comes to life on an audiophile stereo system. And as this disk was about half the price of most others I'd seen makes it a quality bargain of the highest magnitude. I will definitely take another chance on Nexus recordings after hearing this exceptional CD and performance. Strongly recommended."

Mozart's greatest sacred work?

A Minstrel in the Gallery | Portsmouth, New Hampshire USA | 10/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As with other Naxos discs that I own, this one offers a magnificent performance at a terrific value. While Mozart unfortunately never completed this superb, almost overwhelming mass, which he dedicated to his wife Constanze in 1783, it is considered by many experts to be one of his most heavenly compositions. It was first performed on October 26, 1783 while the Mozart couple were visiting Salzburg, and as Jane Glover discusses in her book, "Mozart's Women", the lead soprano vocal part was written for Constanze Mozart, who must have had a very good voice indeed. The breathtakingly beautiful and entrancing "Et incarnatus est" is truly amazing, and features some of Mozart's best writing for the flute, including that famous opera you may have heard of. If you aren't familiar with this Mass, then you need to buy this cd and you will once again be in awe of Mozart's genius. This cd also features the little heard but compelling Kyrie K. 341 which may have been written during the last year of Mozart's life. A piece I cannot find on any other disc. Simply a must-have recording in my humble opinion."