Search - Johannes Schmidt, Franz Liszt, Jacques Grimbert :: Franz Liszt: Missa Solemnis "Graner Messe"

In 1855, Liszt was commissioned to compose a mass for the consecration of the Basilica in Esztergom, some ninety kilometers away from Budapest. Although Liszt?s Missa Solemnis for Esztergom stands within the tradition of Beethoven?s Missa Solemnis and was written for a large orchestra, the composer clearly shows that he is striving for simplicity and conciseness in a form that conforms to Catholic rite. After passing his flute examinations with distinction, Jacques Grimbert continued studies at the Paris Conservatory National Superieur de Musique under Messiaen, Milhaud, Dufourcq, Fourestier, and Rosenthal. Studies then followed in Basle under Pierre Boulez. He also assisted at the rehearsals of great symphonic works by, among others, Bernstein, Celibidache, Maazel, Mehta, Ozawa, and Solti (1970?1976). The diversity of his research and engagements led to the founding of various ensembles and festivals (Ch?ur National, Florilegium Musicum de Paris, Ars Europa! , Musique aux Invalides, Festival de Musique Sacrée de Paris). In 1975, he founded a choir and orchestra of the Sorbonne University in Paris, and in 1976 became a professor and music director there. With the Choir and Orchestra Paris-Sorbonne, comprising around one hundred young musicians, he arranged concert works, symphonies, and oratorios. Together with his studies in music of the Baroque and Renaissance, he also dedicated himself to early or forgotten works of well-known composers.