Haydn: 4 Masses

A Classic

     

Haydn's masses are surely some of the most beautiful ever composed. Considering its comprehensiveness, this disc is a great value, especially considering that unlike many classical compilations, the recordings are actually classics. (In fact, the King's College Nelson Mass is the recording recommended by the Penguin guide to classical music.) That said, these are very traditional interpretations. I find the Nelson Mass to be slower and more ornamented in terms of vocals than newer recordings. All the tracks were recorded in the 1960s and 70s, so the sound and styling is from another era. But there's plenty to enjoy here, and the craftsmanship is certainly there in both music and performance.