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Two strongly original composers and this final recording by James O'Donnell as Master of Music of Westminster Cathedral sends him out on a real high note. These are profoundly moving works, filled with mystical beauty and a high content of dramatic urgency. In Kodaly's 'Missa Brevis' in particular, O'Donnell's slow tempi provide for an unforgettable experience especially in the mystical 'Kyrie' and gloriously moving 'Credo'. A certain palpable sense of pathos can be felt running throughout this Mass and I cannot think of it being done better, acoustically the recording is indeed superb in every department balancing organ and choral forces with remarkable dexterity. 'Laudes organi' is also given a splendid performance; here the organ is a constant joy, a timely reminder of the brilliant contribution of Andrew Reid as Westminster's resident organist. Finally we have Janacek's Mass in E flat in an edition by Paul Wingfield. Although the work is short and brief there is a typical Janacekian power and unorthodoxies about it that gives us a glimpse of things to come. It comes alive in another brilliant performance from the Westminster Choir that confirms its exalted status in this repertoire. I've already waxed lyrical about the recording (vintage Anthony Howell) and the notes and presentation are up to the highest Hyperion standards as is expected nowadays. Running through that memorable Credo in Kodaly's Mass reminded me of another stunning recording by that composer, this is the awesome Decca recording of the Psalmus Hungaricus with Kertesz and the LSO. These readings have similar weight and authority and should now be considered as the definitive modern recordings for the works in question.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

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