JOHANN VON HERBECK (1831-1877): Grosse Messe in E Minor for Chorus, Organ and Orchestra.

Description: This 48-minute mass comes from 1866 and is in the Caecilian revival manner: no soloists, no operatic color, just staunch choral singing with learned counterpoint, the rule being simplicty and dignity. The light breaks through delightfully at the opening of the Gloria while there is a nice dose of Bruckner in the center of the Credo (Herbeck was to conduct Bruckner's D minor mass its premiere the following year). Munich Philharmonic Choir, Wieland Hofmann (organ), Philharmonie Festiva; Gerd Schaller.