Dedicated to one of the composer’s mostpopular works, this release celebratesJ.S. Bach’s Mass in B minor – a masterpieceof writing that ranks among the greatestliturgical settings in the history of music.The composition was born out of the‘Kyrie’ and ‘Gloria’ movements that Bachhad originally dedicated to the Elector ofSaxony (in the hope of securing an official titleat his court). After his eventual moveto Dresden, the composer decided tocombine these with further, separatelycomposed movements taken from theOrdinary – namely a setting of the‘Symbolum Nicenum’, a Sanctus from 1724and parodies from earlier pieces that wererearranged as the ‘Osanna’, ‘Benedictus’,‘Agnus Dei’ and ‘Dona nobis pacem’.From the use of opera techniques, as seenin the varied sequence of choruses andarias, to highly varied instrumentationand styles – including the French overturearrangement of the Sanctus – Bach createda monumental work that is rich in bothpolyphony and virtuosic display. It was adeliberately structured composition, onethat differed to his usual practise ofwriting for an imminent performance andwhich is far too long for proper liturgicaluse.Bach probably never got to hear thegreat Mass performed in its entirety, butnumerous copies of the work dating fromthe 19th century point to its renaissancemore than a century later. Featuring assuredsolo performances, strong chorus singing aswell as meticulous playing by the Sonatoride la Gioiosa Marca, this release comprisesa worthy addition to the Brilliant Classics’choral library.

OTHER INFORMATION:

• Comprehensive booklet notes in German,with English translation.• Complete sung texts and English translationavailable on www.brilliantclassics.com.

TRACK LIST

• I Missa: Kyrie & Gloria• II Simbolum Nicenum: Credo• III Sanctus• IV Osanna, Benedictus,Agnus Dei Et Dona Nobis Pacem