Dame Ethel Smyth - Smyth: Mass in D & Overture to The Wreckers (LP)

Dame Ethel Smyth's "Mass in D & Overture to The Wreckers" is a captivating exploration of the composer's early masterworks, brought to life by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus under the baton of Sakari Oramo. Released in 2019 on the prestigious Chandos label, this album offers a unique blend of sacred and dramatic music that showcases Smyth's distinctive voice and innovative spirit.

The centerpiece of the album is Smyth's Mass in D major, a grand and ambitious work that premiered at the Royal Albert Hall in 1893 with the support of Queen Victoria. Inspired by Beethoven's Missa Solemnis, Smyth's mass is a powerful and expressive setting of the Latin liturgy, featuring soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and dramatic contrasts. The album also includes the overture to Smyth's opera The Wreckers, a thrilling and atmospheric piece that hints at the dramatic power of her stage works.

With a running time of just over an hour and ten minutes, this album is a substantial and rewarding listening experience. Whether you're a fan of choral music, orchestral music, or simply appreciate the work of a pioneering female composer, this album is sure to delight and inspire. The performances by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus are outstanding, and Sakari Oramo's conducting is both sensitive and dynamic, bringing out the best in Smyth's music. The album is a testament to the enduring power of Smyth's music and a reminder of her important place in the history of classical music.