Cherubini's economics

Having heard Cherubini's two earlier Mass settings from 1809 and 1811, the Missa Solemnis in E Major of 1814 is sort-of what I have been waiting for.

Whereas those previous Masses have timed well past 70 minutes in length, this one comes in at a cool 40 minutes. Cherubini has learned economy!

Here we are closer to what Haydn, Schubert, and Hummel produced, although each had one or two longueurs in their oeuvre. The Gloria and Credo are in one continuous movement respectively, and a very short Sanctus/Benedictus combo continues in Cherubini's brevity for those settings. The Agnus Dei is perhaps the most powerfully devotional of the work, and remains my favorite.

On the other hand, I feel a little of the larger-scoped inspiration of the earlier Missa Solemnis in D minor has made way for purposefulness and efficiency. It is hard to say, as the liner notes make no mention of what use the E Major Mass was composed for. It certainly sounds more conservative, as Cherubini is back focusing on strings with just a few moments for brass. Some of the composer's individualistic choral touches are missing as well.

10-minutes worth of choral music has been added to the Mass. These are a cappella works, cathedral bound in their beauty and simplicity. Additional names are added to the credits as singers for these works, but I will be persnickered if I know why they are listed separately. The addition of organ adds a little variety to the proceedings.

Riccardo Muti recorded this in 2006, and the Bavarian singing and instrumental forces continue their excellency. The soloists are the same from Muti's traversal of the Mass in F Major 'di Chimay' in 2003; while I didn't care for their efforts there, this one comes together much better.

Listen on YouTube

Work
Missa Solemnis in E Major

  I. Kyrie (5.48)
 II. Gloria (8.19)
III. Credo (14.20)
IV. Sanctus & Benedictus (2.10)
 V. Communion: O Salutaris (3.46)
VI. Agnus Dei (5.59)

Soloists
Ruth Ziesak, soprano
Marianna Pizzolato, mezzo-soprano
Herbert Lippert, tenor
Ildar Abdrazakov, bass

Ensembles
Harald Feller, organ
Max Hanft, organ
Bavarian Radio Choir
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Riccardo Muti, conductor

Label: EMI
Year: 2007
Total Timing: 50.53

I get the feeling we haven't hit Cherubini's stride in choral writing yet.

The next in the series comes from Muti's much earlier performances in Britain.


Still, it is encouraging Muti went back to explore these early Mass settings.

 

 

 

Find more Cherubini recordings HERE!