Gounod's extensive body of church music, which surpasses that of other 19th-century French composers, was profoundly influenced by his exposure to Gregorian chant and Palestrina's music during his time in Rome.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Gounod believed the essential function of church music was to highlight the message of faith, avoiding superficial musical effects or virtuosity.
Compositional Technique
Gounod's ideal for church music was simplicity and clarity, often composing for amateur choirs with organ accompaniment, as seen in his 21 masses.
Recording & Production
This album was re-released to celebrate the 200th birthday of Charles Gounod, the composer.
Performer Biography
The chamber choir I Vocalisti, which performs on this album, won 1st Prize at the 6th German Choir Competition in 2002 and at international choral contests in Tolosa, Spain (2004) and Cork, Ireland (2009).
Composer Biography
Charles Gounod is primarily known for his operas, Faust (1859) and Roméo et Juliette (1867), and his popular Méditation sur le 1er prélude de piano de J. S. Bach (1852), arranged as an Ave Maria.
Instruments
The organ used for this recording is a Romantic pneumatic chest organ by Furtwängler & Hammer, built in 1912, located in the Ev. Kirche St. Gorgonius, Niedernstöcken.
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Charles Gounod: Musica sacra
Gounod, C.: Messe Breve No. 7 Aux Chapelles / Bethleem / Les 7 Paroles De N.S. Jesus-Christ Sur La Croix / Messe Breve No. 5 Aux Seminaires
Poulenc: Gloria/ Stabat Mater
Verdi und Puccini
Rossini: Stabat Mater - Petite Messe Solennelle
Schubert: Mass in A-Flat Major
Dvořák: Mass in D Major, Op. 86, B. 153 & Te Deum, Op. 103, B. 176
Rossini: Stabat Mater - Petite Messe Solennelle
Delius: A Mass of Life
Dvorak: Mass in D Major, Op. 86 / Janacek: Lord's Prayer
Howells: Missa Sabrinensis / Stabat Mater
Martin, F.: Mass for Double Choir / Kodaly, Z.: Missa brevis / Poulenc, F.: Litanies a la vierge noire
Bruckner: Mass No. 2 / Mass in C Major / O Du Liebes Jesu Kind / in Jener Letzten Der Nachte
