Gramophone Magazine
August 2019
Editor's Choice

Johanna Winkel (soprano), Sophie Harmsen (mezzo-soprano), Sebastian Kohlhepp (tenor), Arttu Kataja (bass)

Kammerchor Stuttgart, Hofkapelle Stuttgart, Frieder Bernius

Beethoven repeatedly described the Missa solemnis as his greatest work, intended to affect and move people. His labour on the composition was long and intense; the work is not regarded as the most important mass setting of the 19th century in vain. In terms of its scope and musical demands, it reaches far beyond what is liturgically usual - not without reason did the premiere take place in a concert hall. The Kammerchor Stuttgart and the Hofkapelle Stuttgart under the leadership of Frieder Bernius master the challenges of the Missa with bravura. All the sonorous groups work together intensively, creating an organic and homogeneous flow of interpretation. The young quartet of soloists Johanna Winkel, Sophie Harmsen, Sebastian Kohlhepp and Arttu Kataja complement the ensembles.

"Bernius coaches from his performers an assured and even (where appropriate) relaxed mastery of the notes and phrases before them…No less crucially, the soloists have had time to sing with each other: they form a notably well-matched team, not competing with each other or fighting for room with choir and orchestra…There’s so much to enjoy here." - Gramophone Magazine, August 2019.