Missa Festiva

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the sacred and captivating world of Flor Peeters, one of the most significant Catholic composers of the twentieth century, with the release of "Missa Festiva." This album, released on July 22, 2022, under the Ad Fontes label, is a testament to Peeters' profound musical legacy, featuring a collection of his most revered choral works.

The centerpiece of the album is the popular "Missa Festiva, Op. 62," a majestic and uplifting mass that showcases Peeters' mastery of choral writing. Under the direction of Rupert Gough, this work is presented with added brass parts, enhancing its grandeur and making it a standout piece on the album. The "Missa in honorem Sancti Josephi, Op. 21," another notable mass, is also included, offering a more intimate and reflective contrast to the festive nature of the "Missa Festiva."

The album also features several premiere recordings, including the enchanting "Ave Maria, Op. 9 No. 2" and the serene "Ave verum, Op. 63 No. 1." These pieces, along with others like the "Magnificat, Op. 108" and the "Ego sum panis, Op. 9 No. 1," demonstrate Peeters' versatility and depth as a composer.

Recorded in the acoustically stunning Buckfast Abbey, the album benefits from the exceptional talents of the Choir of Royal Holloway, Onyx Brass, and organists Matthew Searles and George Nicholls. Their combined efforts bring to life the rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint that are hallmarks of Peeters' style.

With a duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, "Missa Festiva" is a comprehensive exploration of Flor Peeters' choral music, offering both familiar favorites and new discoveries. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Peeters' work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to inspire and uplift, providing a deeply moving and spiritually enriching experience.

22 juli 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.