ABC Classic FM CD of the Week. Week commencing December 7th, 2009

Lucy Crowe (Soprano), Nathalie Stutzmann (Contralto), Anders J. Dahlin (Tenor), Richard Croft (Tenor), Luca Tittoto (Bass), David Bates (Countertenor) & Neil Baker (Baritone)

Handel: Ode for St Cecilia's Day, HWV76

Haydn: Mass, Hob. XXII: 5 in C major 'Cäcilienmesse'

Purcell: Hail! Bright Cecilia (Ode for St Cecilia's Day 1692), Z. 328

Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens du Louvre’s latest recording present three major works celebrating Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music. While St Cecilia is the figure who inspired this recording, the album showcases music by three composers whose anniversary years are being celebrated in 2009: Purcell was born in 1659, while Handel and Haydn died in 1759 and 1809, respectively. The three featured works have never before been brought together on a single recording. The programme was performed earlier this year at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, the Barbican Centre in London, the Bozar in Brussels, and the Festspiele in Salzburg, and received an enthusiastic response from the press.

The vocal cast includes five outstanding soloists: Richard Croft, Lucy Crowe, Nathalie Stutzmann, Anders J. Dahlin and Luca Tittoto. Marc Minkowski chose to record a Missa Breve version of Haydn’s Cäcilienmesse, which includes only the Kyrie and Gloria. These were composed by Haydn some years before the complete Mass was written. Minkowski decided to focus on this shorter version, and to augment it with two exceptional arias from the complete mass, ‘Et incarnatus est’ and ‘Et resurrexit’. The accompanying 134-page book includes 12 paintings and representations of Saint Cecilia by the likes of Raphael, Rubens, Mignard, Lely, De Vouez, Da Cortona and Domenichino. A deluxe edition that enhances this ambitious project.