Immerse yourself in the profound and captivating world of Sven-David Sandström's "High Mass," a monumental choral work that stands as a testament to the composer's mastery of minimalism and choral writing. Released on December 17, 2004, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a sprawling, 1 hour and 47 minutes journey through the sacred texts of the Roman Catholic Mass, set to Sandström's evocative and deeply moving music.
The album is divided into several sections, each corresponding to different parts of the Mass, from the opening "Kyrie eleison" to the closing "Dona nobis pacem." Sandström's use of minimalist techniques creates a hypnotic and meditative atmosphere, with intricate layers of vocal lines building and receding like waves. The choral writing is particularly noteworthy, with Sandström employing a wide range of vocal techniques to create a sense of drama and intensity.
Complementing Sandström's "High Mass" is "Kontakion" by Swedish composer Ingvar Lidholm. This orchestral piece, also featured on the album, provides a striking contrast to the choral work, with its lush, romantic harmonies and vivid orchestration. Together, these two works create a compelling and thought-provoking listening experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Whether you're a fan of choral music, minimalism, or simply looking to explore new and exciting sounds, Sven-David Sandström's "High Mass / Lidholm: Kontakion" is an album that demands to be heard. With its powerful performances, stunning choral writing, and evocative orchestration, it is a true masterpiece of contemporary classical music.
The High Mass: Ia. Kyrie eleisonSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: Ib. Christe eleisonSven-David Sandström, Claudia Barainsky, Siri Torjesen, Sara Olsson, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: Ic. Kyrie eleisonSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIa. Gloria in excelsis DeoSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Herbert Blomstedt, Gewandhausorchester, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIb. Et in terra paxSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIc. Laudamus teSven-David Sandström, Malena Ernman, Lilli Paasikivi, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IId. Gratias agimus tibiSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIe. Domine DeusSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIf. Qui tollis peccata mundiSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIg.Qui sedes ad dextram PatrisSven-David Sandström, Claudia Barainsky, Siri Torjesen, Sara Olsson, Malena Ernman, Lilli Paasikivi, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIh. Quoniam tu solus sanctusSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIi. Cum sancto spirituSven-David Sandström, Claudia Barainsky, Siri Torjesen, Sara Olsson, Lilli Paasikivi, Malena Ernman, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIIa. Credo in unum DeumSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIIb. Patrem omnipotentemSven-David Sandström, Claudia Barainsky, Siri Torjesen, Sara Olsson, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIIc. Et in unum DominumSven-David Sandström, Claudia Barainsky, Siri Torjesen, Sara Olsson, Malena Ernman, Lilli Paasikivi, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIId. Et incarnatusSven-David Sandström, Malena Ernman, Lilli Paasikivi, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIIe. CruxifixusSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIIf. Et resurrexitSven-David Sandström, Claudia Barainsky, Siri Torjesen, Sara Olsson, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIIg. Et in Spiritum sanctumSven-David Sandström, Claudia Barainsky, Siri Torjesen, Sara Olsson, Malena Ernman, Lilli Paasikivi, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IIIh. Confiteor - Et expectoSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Claudia Barainsky, Siri Torjesen, Sara Olsson, Malena Ernman, Lilli Paasikivi, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IVa. Sanctus, Sanctus DominusSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IVb. Osanna in excelsisSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IVc. BenedictusSven-David Sandström, Malena Ernman, Lilli Paasikivi, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: IVd. Osanna in excelsisSven-David Sandström, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: Va. Agnus DeiSven-David Sandström, Claudia Barainsky, Siri Torjesen, Sara Olsson, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
The High Mass: Vb. Dona nobis pacemSven-David Sandström, Claudia Barainsky, Siri Torjesen, Sara Olsson, Malena Ernman, Lilli Paasikivi, MDR Rundfunkchor, Howard Arman, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt, Michael Schönheit
Kontakion for OrchestraIngvar Lidholm, Gewandhausorchester, Herbert Blomstedt
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