An Evaluation of Gardiner's Missa Solemnis

quote:

Originally posted by mikeeschman:
I'm sticking with Jochum's Missa Solemnis.

Always look for something else with this work I say. Kenneth Schermerhorn's recording on Naxos, on modern instruments, is among the better versions I've heard. He and his Nashville band seem out to prove they can deliver a good performance, and though a bit scrappy in parts, they do. Better is out there, sure, but this surprised me.


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I've got a two-LP HMV recording (not sure of the year) by the N.B.C. Symphony Orchestra & Robert Shaw chorale conducted by Toscanini.

As it's the only version I've heard, I think it sounds pretty good, but I'd be interested in hearing an alternative interpretation.

quote:

I'd be interested in hearing an alternative interpretation.

i've had a jochum missa solemnis for 30 years, and i still love it.

it's available at arkivmusic.com.

I don't suppose that any of JEG's recordings of classic and romantic masterpieces will survive future critical acclaim, despite the plaudits that they have received over the last two decades from Gramophone and other such publications.

To take the current example, Gardiner compared with Jochum is simply Beethoven-Lite (and far too hectic). An improvement over Hogwood's break-neck recordings, to be sure, but not great music making by any means.

And, if the Missa to which you chaps are referring is the wonderful Krebbers-led Philips Concertgebouw recording from the1970s, you're unlikely to hear better anywhere from anyone.

G

quote:

Originally posted by graham55:
I don't suppose that any of JEG's recordings of classic and romantic masterpieces will survive future critical acclaim, despite the plaudits that they have received over the last two decades from Gramophone and other such publications.
G

i love gardiner's beethoven symphonies and his symphonie fantastique, as i said previously.

but everything about his missa solemnis sounds forced and contrived to my ears.

i think he will keep a place over time, but more modest than his reviews would lead you to believe.

at least beethoven is well represented in the catalog. i can think of at least 10 very good sets of symphonies, 3 or 4 great, off the top of my head. i'm sure there are more i just haven't heard.

i suspect gardiner let his reviews go to his head, and took the podium for the missa solemnis thinking "time to make history again".
the result just sounds crude. i just hate it when that happens ...

I have this 2 LP version:



It is the only one I have heard but it does seem well portrayed.

Geoff