Search - Delius, Harper, Watts :: Mass of Life

At last, a secular mass that affirms LIFE!

Rev. Ben Cox | Orlando, Florida | 01/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first met this piece in the 70's after doing a stint with the London Symphony, where I met the music of Delius for the first time. This piece is a wonderful sythesis of the Delian sound-world. The text is from Also Sprach Zarathustra, and life in all it infinite variety is affirmed in the most positive way! No sinful, guilt-ridden wretches here! This is some of Delius' most beautiful, inspired writing and is beautifully performed by Sir Charles Groves, the London Phil and the four outstanding soloists, Harper, Watts, Tear and Luxon. The soloists were among the finest British singers of the 70's. I still feel that British people best understand British music! The recording is clear and balanced and while overwhelming in the big moments, there is no distortion. This is a must for a collector's library, along with Sir Thomas Beecham's recording of the same piece."