An early Mass setting from Anton Bruckner might sound like quite a find, but I find the work rather Plain-Jane.
The two choral/orchestral Psalms on the other hand shows what the mature composer could do with an orchestra and chorus on a larger scale.
I like this modern instrument performance, although some might prefer the period instruments on Accentus with
Łukasz Borowicz. Not me, however.
Otherwise, for those wanting to explore the compositions of Bruckner outside of his mighty symphonies and divine motets, there is still much to enjoy here, and in fine performances.
A review from 2023
Anton
Bruckner’s Missa Solemnis, unlike his massive symphonic masses later in
life, takes its cues from Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert. If this sounds
like a bit of a throwback, it shows an interesting starting point for
the German composer.
The Mass sounds very functional to my ears;
twelve brief sections for use in the church. Bruckner doesn’t inject
much theatricality into the proceedings until the Credo, when the Mass
text starts becoming visualized through Bruckner’s music. The a cappella
Agnus Dei is a standout of divine musical spirituality. Not a new
masterpiece, but a work of many delights.
Psalm 112 & 150
exhibit Bruckner’s later style, with more orchestral interactions and a
wonderful double chorus setting, showing off both singers and players in
dramatic fashion.
The Bamberg Symphony Orchestra is full
sounding on modern instruments, and Rickenbacher leads the works
propulsively. The Bamberg symphonic chorus is of sufficient numbers to
give this music weight and drama. They are really attentive to wide
dynamic gradations and Bruckner’s musical articulations. The soloists
are a wonderful team all around; it is too bad they don’t have more to
do. Virgin Classics’ sound balances all of the forces spectacularly.
There
aren’t many readily available recordings of the Missa Solemnis, and I
daresay this recording might be its best, depending on listener
preferences. On Accentus,
Łukasz Borowicz leads a well-performed live Missa Solemnis, and in
zippy fashion, but its period instrument orchestra makes Bruckner sound
like Vivaldi or Bach, and is not to my tastes at all. If you can find
Jürgen Jürgens, his reading is broader and more spiritual than either
Rickenbacher or Borowicz, and provides a different, older take on this
work.
Works
Missa Solemnis, WAB 29
Psalm 112, WAB 35
Psalm 150, WAB 38
Soloists
Christiane Oelze, soprano
Claudia Schubert, alto
Jörg Dürmüller, tenor
Reinhard Hagen, bass
Performers
Bamberg Symphony Chorus
Bamberg Symphony Orchestra
Karl Anton Rickenbacher, conductor
Label: Virgin Classics
Year: 1991
Total Timing: 49.37
This recording is a little short on overall timing, coming in at just over 45 minutes in totality.
But, it is a good opportunity to hear early choral/orchestral Bruckner. If the Psalms are more engaging than the Missa Solemnis in B-flat minor, there is still some lovely music there.
Find more Bruckner recordings HERE!
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