Bach, J S - Mass in B minor - Fasolis, Diego

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Roberta Invernizzi, Lynne Dawson (sopranos), Gloria Banditelli (mezzo), Christoph Prégardien (tenor), Klaus Mertens (bass)

Coro della Radio Svizzeria
Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca
Diego Fasolis, conductor


Dedicated to one of the composer's most popular works, this release celebrates J.S. Bach's Mass in B Minor -- a masterpiece of writing that ranks among the greatest liturgical settings in the history of music.

The composition was born out of the 'Kyrie' and 'Gloria' movements that Bach had originally dedicated to the Elector of Saxony (in the hope of securing an official title at his court). After his eventual move to Dresden, the composer decided to combine these with further, separately composed movements taken from the Ordinary -- namely a setting of the 'Symbolum Nicenum', a Sanctus from 1724 and parodies from earlier pieces that were rearranged as the 'Osanna', 'Benedictus', 'Agnus Dei' and 'Dona nobis pacem'.

From the use of opera techniques, as seen in the varied sequence of choruses and arias, to highly varied instrumentation and styles -- including the French overture arrangement of the Sanctus -- Bach created a monumental work that is rich in both polyphony and virtuosic display. It was a deliberately structured composition, one that differed to his usual practise of writing for an imminent performance and which is far too long for proper liturgical use.

Bach probably never got to hear the great Mass performed in its entirety, but numerous copies of the work dating from the 19th century point to its renaissance more than a century later. Featuring assured solo performances, strong chorus singing as well as meticulous playing by the Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca, this release comprises a worthy addition to the Brilliant Classics' choral library.