Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber - Missa Alleluja (LP)

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Baroque era with Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber's "Missa Alleluja," a monumental work that showcases the composer's mastery of polychoric composition. Released in 2017 by Accent, this album features a stunning array of 36 voices, including singers, string players, cornetti, trombones, and trumpets, all coming together to create a sonic spectacle that is as impressive as it is beautiful.

The centerpiece of the album is the "Missa Alleluja a 36," a mass composed for a staggering 36 voices, modeled after the grand performance practices of Venice. This work alone is a testament to Biber's compositional prowess, with each movement expertly crafted to highlight the unique timbres and capabilities of the various vocal and instrumental forces. From the solemnity of the "Kyrie" to the jubilation of the "Gloria," the "Missa Alleluja" is a journey through the full range of human expression, as interpreted through the lens of the Baroque aesthetic.

In addition to the "Missa Alleluja," the album also features several other works by Biber, including the "Nisi Dominus aedificaverit domum," a setting of Psalm 127 that showcases the composer's skill in counterpoint and harmonic language. Also included is the "Violin Sonata in A Major, C. 106 'Pastorella'," a solo violin work that highlights Biber's virtuosity and inventiveness as a composer for the instrument. The album concludes with "Hic est panis," a motet that serves as a fitting finale to this collection of works by one of the Baroque era's most innovative and influential composers.

Performed by the renowned ensemble Ars Antiqua Austria and the St. Florianer Sängerknaben, under the direction of Gunar Letzbor, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Biber's music. With its stunning performances and expertly curated selection of works, "Missa Alleluja" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the Baroque era and the music of Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber.