Bruckner: Masses Nos. 2 & 3

Immerse yourself in the profound spiritual depth and musical brilliance of Anton Bruckner with this exquisite collection of his Masses Nos. 2 and 3. Released in 2024 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Bruckner's birth, this album showcases two of the composer's most revered sacred works, performed by an ensemble of renowned artists and orchestras.

Bruckner's Mass No. 2 in E Minor and Mass No. 3 in F Minor are masterpieces of Romantic choral music, reflecting the composer's deep Catholic faith and his unique musical vision. The Mass No. 2, with its wind accompaniment, was composed to appease the Cecilians, a conservative faction within the Roman Catholic Church, and is notable for its austere beauty. The Mass No. 3, on the other hand, is Bruckner's most expansive and spiritually profound Mass, blending classical form with a newfound vitality and religious mysticism.

This recording features the incomparable vocal talents of Heather Harper, Anna Reynolds, Marius Rintzler, and Robert Tear, accompanied by the English Chamber Orchestra, New Philharmonia Chorus, and New Philharmonia Orchestra, all under the masterful direction of conductor Daniel Barenboim. The album spans 12 tracks and over an hour and forty minutes of sublime choral and orchestral music, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.

Bruckner's sacred choral works are often overshadowed by his monumental symphonies, but this album serves as a testament to his equally impressive contributions to the choral repertoire. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Bruckner's music or a newcomer to his sacred works, this album is a treasure trove of musical and spiritual richness.