“...Edward Gardner’s team bites into the music with a commitment that conjures the great recordings of the past, but now in hair-raising, clarity and frequency range. The choirs and solo singers are all superb, but soprano Sara Jakubiak and tenor Stuart Skelton deserve special mention. Also notable is organist Thomas Trotter, whose contributions boldly underscore many of the most emphatic moments... it is Gardner who most deserves praise. It’s no mean feat to control the power of this mass without blurring its edges... superb release.”

Nominee for Best Choral Performance Award 2017

Recording of the Month

Performance *****        Recording *****

“A joyous celebration of life... Incandescent, profoundly human and intoxicating in its celebration of the world of nature and the divine Janacek 's Glagolitic Mass is demanding of performers and requires special treatment at every turn. Edward Gardner's interpretation succeeds superbly by focusing on the life-affirming qualities of the work, rather than going in search of its more ceremonial aspects.”

"At the centre of this engaging disc is a fresh and vibrant account of Janácek’s famous Glagolitic Mass ... This new recording enhances all the reasons why this work has remained a firm favourite with audiences since its premiere in 1927. The broad and colourful orchestral canvas (including a major part for organ) is vividly conveyed by the super audio engineering. Edward Gardner and his Bergen forces convincingly project the red-blooded and often emotional response to the text with well drilled orchestral playing and evocative singing by the chorus... More please!" ****

"... a stunning performance of the Glagolitic Mass..."

"...anyone wanting a library version of the work can invest in the new Gardner version with confidence. It’s a very fine, exciting performance and Chandos have captured it in thrilling sound."

Performance  *****          Sonics *****

“...No matter which version is used, Janácek's 'Glagolitic Mass' remains a life-affirming work, full of buoyant energy and festive character – qualities that this performance has in abundance. Gardner's electrifying conducting of his keenly responsive Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra is powerfully focussed and the playing throughout is alert and incisive. The choral contribution from the four choirs is both enthusiastic and polished, a tribute to training from their respective chorus masters. The important organ solos were recorded on the magnificent organ of Bergen Cathedral and delivered with fearsome weight and crisp registration by Thomas Trotter... This Janácek collection represents another major success for Edward Gardner and the continuing fruitful collaboration between him and his Bergen colleagues. While there are many alternative versions of the 'Glagolitic Mass' on disc for consideration by collectors this latest account can be confidently recommended and should be high on anyone's short list...”

"...Lovely fillers and a glorious account of the Mass; huzzahs all round."

“... The Bergen Philharmonic play splendidly and Chandos rewards then with a satisfying full sound...”