Immerse yourself in the profound and captivating world of Sven-David Sandström's "High Mass / Lidholm: Kontakion," a choral and minimalist masterpiece released on December 17, 2004, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. This extraordinary album spans an impressive 1 hour and 47 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of sacred music that is both spiritually uplifting and artistically compelling.
Sandström's "High Mass" is a meticulously crafted composition that follows the structure of the traditional Catholic Mass, divided into distinct sections that mirror the liturgical order. Each part, from the solemn "Kyrie eleison" to the triumphant "Dona nobis pacem," showcases Sandström's mastery of choral writing and his ability to evoke deep emotional and spiritual resonance. The minimalist influences are subtly woven into the fabric of the music, creating a sense of meditative depth and rhythmic intensity.
Complementing Sandström's work is the "Kontakion for Orchestra" by Swedish composer Ingvar Lidholm. This orchestral piece adds a layer of instrumental richness to the album, providing a contrast and complement to the choral compositions. The "Kontakion" is known for its haunting beauty and intricate orchestration, making it a perfect companion to Sandström's "High Mass."
The album is a testament to the enduring power of choral and minimalist music, offering a profound listening experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving. Whether you are a fan of classical music, choral works, or minimalist compositions, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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