My greatest discovery for me in the recent weeks are the masses by Cherubini! I always adored the Requiems but now I got to know the other masses more.
Mass in E: Gloria thru Agnus Dei are just wonderful, especially the intimate Agnus Dei is after the one from Beethoven's Missa Solemnis the most beautiful Agnus I know! Please listen to carefully:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHsdpKvyG_8&list=PLmPmYGowlsjw-1ZG3scN_ESRRnsQJap31&index=2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHsdpKvyG_8&list=PLmPmYGowlsjw-1ZG3scN_ESRRnsQJap31&index=2)
Missa in G: Gloria und Credo (starting at 7:20):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r74UZeetxXw&list=RDr74UZeetxXw&start_radio=1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r74UZeetxXw&list=RDr74UZeetxXw&start_radio=1)
Something very haunting is also the ACapella piece"Antifona sul canto" - in the way of Palestrina - heavenly!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPbsyjtBPsU&list=PLmPmYGowlsjw-1ZG3scN_ESRRnsQJap31&index=7 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPbsyjtBPsU&list=PLmPmYGowlsjw-1ZG3scN_ESRRnsQJap31&index=7)
Great also is:
Messe in d: Gloria, Qui tollis, Fugue in Cum Sanctus
Credo Amen Fugue + Sanctus + Dona Nobis
Now I understand why Beethoven regarded Cherubini so highly ..
Totally agree. Our understanding and discography of religious music from that period is dominated by the first Viennese school, but they weren't the only ones writing significant church music.
I too have been a great admirer of Cherubini's choral sound ever since I obtained a CD of his celebrated Requiem. From this I can see where Beethoven got his choral style for the 9th Symphony finale, Beethoven also being a great admirer of Cherubini. The 2 above postings have certainly whetted my appetite for more of his mass settings. Many thanks gentlemen.
Cheers,
John
You may also listen to 3 movements from Cherubinis last mass in A from 1825, (Offertorium, Sanctus and O Salutaris), starting at 30:40:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6a2Ha4QJdU
It is so unbelievably beautiful !