Luigi Cherubini, born in Florence in 1760, became a dominant musical authority in Paris during a turbulent period of revolution and empire.
Recording & Production
This recording is a live capture from the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival in 2001, rescued from the NDR archives after decades.
Compositional Technique
Cherubini's Messe solennelle is a large-scale, symphonically conceived work for up to six vocal soloists, four-part choir, and an opulently scored orchestra.
Compositional Technique
The Mass features sophisticated harmonic language, including dominant chords with lowered fifths, diminished seventh chords, and refined modulations.
Critical Reception
This Messe solennelle in D minor is considered a 'sister work' to Cherubini's more famous C minor Requiem, but its appreciation has been lacking.
Composition History
Cherubini composed this Mass in anticipation of becoming Kapellmeister for Prince Nikolaus II Esterházy, a position that ultimately did not materialize.
Composition History
Cherubini began composing this Mass in March 1811, completing it on October 7 of the same year, after overcoming a period of health issues.
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