Search - Beethoven, Milanov, Bjorling :: Missa Solemnis Op 123

An awe-inspiring performance in more than decent sound

Vincent Lau | 07/25/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD preserves a live performance of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis given on 28th December, 1940 in New York with Toscanini and his NBC Symphony Orchestra. And what an awe-inspiring document it is! I must admit that I am hardly a fan of the great Italian conductor, whose style I often consider to be far too rigid, hard-driven and even over-bearing. Yet, I found this performance to be magnificent in every respect. While there are other ways to interpret this work, the reading here is an electrifying and inspired one with fiercely committed performances by all concerned. Toscanini's grasp of the massive score is nothing short of magisterial. Not only has he fully realised the structure of the work, every bar, and indeed every note, leaps out with total conviction as well as a sense of musical coherence and inevitability. There is a fiery intensity in the Kyrie and Gloria that can instill a sense of awe and even terror in the staunchest of hearts whereas the Sanctus possesses an abundance of warmth, compassion and humanity which so soothes the soul. This must surely rank as one of the greatest (and most convincing) Beethoven performances ever captured on record.The vocally luminous quartet of Zinka Milanov, Bruna Castagna, Jussi Bjorling and Alexander Kipnis makes heavenly contribution, especially in the Credo and the Sanctus. Not only is each of them in fine form (which already means a lot having regard to the reputation of these master vocalists), their voices blend beautifully in ensembles and they perform as a team, each complementing the other to great musical and dramatic effect. The Westminster Choir sings with profound dedication, as if their entire life depended on the music. Their accuracy and incisiveness are marvelous (especially in view of some rather fast tempos adopted by the conductor) and their sonority most impressive. The NBC Symphony Orchestra is also on imposing form, and one can easily glean from the recording that the players have all pricked up their ears and responded to the maestro's every inflection with lightning speed and total spiritual identification. The entire performance is here contained on just one single mid-priced CD. Although the presentation is rather rudimentary with a not very useful essay in the CD booklet, the sound quality is more than decent for a live performance taped more than 60 years ago. To put it shortly: This CD is not to be missed!"