PAWEL LUKASZEWSKI (b.1968): Musica Sacra, Vol. 4 - Missa de Maria a Magdala (missa bremgartensis) for Soprano, Baritone, Chorus and Orchestra.

Description: The text of this grand, impressive large-scale Mass, by Fr Sylwester Jacek Kwiatkowski, honors Mary Magdalene. Divided into the usual sequence of the Mass, the work draws on Biblical sources to depict the saint as a faithful apostle in a detailed account of the basis and legacy of her faith. As we have come to expect, Lukaszewski's music is thoroughly tonal and neo-romantic, harmonically rich and boldly colorful, drawing on the rich tradition of Church choral singing - with occasional, effective touches of middle-eastern modality seemingly subtly placing the gospel story in its proper historical and geographical context. There is an element of the theatrical alongside the deeply felt, devotional nature of the work, with the composer's fondness for strongly rhythmic ostinato-driven momentum adding ample drama to the work's powerfully uplifting, prayerful narrative. Even by Lukaszewski's usual standard this is an especially powerful and satisfying work. Latin texts. Elzbieta Grodzka-Lopuszynska (soprano), Tomasz Sadownik (baritone), Choir of the University of Bielsko-Biala, Silesian Chamber Orchestra; Jan Borowski.