The Messe solennelle was originally intended to be an exemplary work to recommend Cherubini for the Kapellmeister position at Prince Nikolaus II Esterházy's court.
Compositional Technique
Cherubini's Messe solennelle is characterized by imaginative harmonic developments, including dominant chords with a lowered fifth, diminished seventh chords, and sophisticated modulations.
Composer Biography
Luigi Cherubini, born in Florence in 1760, became a dominant musical authority in Paris during a turbulent period marked by revolution and empire.
Composition History
Cherubini began composing this Mass in March 1811, completing it in October of the same year, after overcoming a period of significant health problems.
Cultural Impact
Cherubini's Mass influenced Felix Mendelssohn, who composed his Kyrie in D minor at age 16, showing similar stylistic traits, especially in the intricate fugue.
Critical Reception
This Messe solennelle is considered a 'sister work' to Cherubini's more famous C minor Requiem, but its appreciation has been lacking.
Recording & Production
This recording is a live performance from the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival 2001, captured by NDR Kultur in cooperation with Deutschlandradio.
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