Missa Festiva

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and majestic world of Flor Peeters' choral masterpieces with the album "Missa Festiva: Choral Music by Flor Peeters." This captivating collection, released on July 22, 2022, under the Ad Fontes label, showcases the profound and inspiring compositions of the renowned Belgian composer and organist. The album features the esteemed The Choir of Royal Holloway, conducted by Matthew Searles and Rupert Gough, with the brilliant brass ensemble Onyx Brass adding a rich, resonant dimension to the choral works.

Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, the album presents a diverse array of Peeters' religious music, including the celebrated "Missa Festiva" and the serene "Ave Maria." This release also includes several premiere recordings, offering a fresh and exciting listening experience. The "Missa Festiva" is particularly noteworthy, as Rupert Gough has skillfully incorporated brass parts, enhancing the grandeur of the original composition.

Flor Peeters' compositions are characterized by their intricate harmonies, lush textures, and deep spiritual resonance. This album is a testament to his enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the choral repertoire. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Peeters' work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a compelling and enriching journey through the sacred and sublime.

July 22, 2022

2022 Ad Fontes

About Flor Peeters

Flor Peeters, born in Belgium in 1903, stands as one of the most significant organists and composers of the 20th century. His deeply spiritual compositions, often incorporating elements of Gregorian chant, have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Peeters' extensive concert career took him across Europe and to America, showcasing his virtuosity and the profound emotional depth of his music.

As the director of the Conservatorium in Antwerp and the organist at Mechelen Cathedral from 1923 until his death in 1986, Peeters' influence extended far beyond his performances. His largest orchestral work, a forty-minute Organ Concerto, composed during the tumultuous final weeks of 1944, exemplifies his ability to create music that transcends its time. Peeters' legacy endures through his extensive discography, which includes works like the Symphonic Fantasy, Op. 13, and the Toccata, Op. 51a, offering listeners a rich tapestry of his artistic genius.