Hummel Mass Series, Volume 2

If I was impressed by the first in this series, the second built on its success.

It is the way Hummel treats those later movements in the Mass, how he uses a cappella moments to special effect, particularly in the Te Deum, and the use of winds.

Whereas the previous entry had no soloists in the major works, here we have a full quartet ala Haydn. Yet, Hummel integrates them amongst the chorus so intuitively, a step beyond his master, methinks.

Only the Quod in Orbe seems a little plain, but an orchestrated choral work is always something to cheer for.

I haven't mentioned Richard Hickox or his Collegium Musicum 90, but perhaps I will save that for the last entry in the series.

A review from 2024

 If Richard Hickox’s first volume of Hummel’s Masses was a success, this second volume is simply outstanding, at least for this listener.

The big news is the Mass in E-flat, a work that I believe has only appeared on Koch, at least on CD. As opposed to the Masses in D and B-flat from Chandos’ first entry, the Mass in E-flat includes a quartet of soloists. I love how the interplay between tenor and chorus open the gentle Kyrie, later reprised in the beautiful tenor-featured Et incarnatus est.

As before, Hummel excels particularly in the Credo and Sanctus sequences, creating characterful and memorable musical moments. The Sanctus gets a majorly substantive pause from Hickox, keeping the listener bated with breath. The Dona Nobis Pacem is a triumphant ending to a major work.

As pairings, the Te Deum is a joyful affair, with majestic fanfares. However, it is the sudden, short a cappella passages that catch the listener off guard, but are quite lovely alongside the celebratory music. Quod in Orbis provides some contrast, with some traditional choral work.

The Collegium Musicum 90 are buoyantly spirited in all of this music, and the chorus is rock solid in these performances. Susan Gritton and James Gilchrist receive the most runtime among the soloists, and fine they are, amongst a very fine quartet of singers.

I can’t rave about this Hummel series enough; they should be great for lovers of choral/orchestral Masses, especially those who enjoy the Classical Era. A third volume was released, and each are rather special.

Listen on YouTube

Works
Mass in E-flat Major (43.39)
Te Deum (10.24)
Quod in Orbe (7.51)

Soloists
Susan Gritton, soprano
Ann Murray, mezzo
James Gilchrist, tenor
Stephen Varcoe, baritone

Ensembles
Collegium Musicum 90
Richard Hickox

Label: Chandos
Year: 2004
Total Timing: 61.59

 

If you love choral music, these Hummel Masses are a must.

If you love religious settings, these are a must.

If you love music, these are a must.

 

 

 

Find more Hummel recordings HERE