New. Haydn: Harmoniemesse
Mélissa Petit (soprano), Beth Taylor (mezzo-soprano), Bastien Rimondi (tenor), Andreas Wolf (bass-baritone), Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
What impresses in this recording is the restrained playfulness with which Haydn - and Christie - utilise these forces. The sprightly joy of the Gloria is especially infectious, set against the...
New. Haydn: Harmoniemesse
Mélissa Petit (soprano), Beth Taylor (mezzo-soprano), Bastien Rimondi (tenor), Andreas Wolf (bass-baritone), Les Arts Florissants, William Christie
Purchase product
What impresses in this recording is the restrained playfulness with which Haydn - and Christie - utilise these forces. The sprightly joy of the Gloria is especially infectious, set against the...
About
The Harmoniemesse, Haydn’s last major sacred work, combines liturgical solemnity with dazzling orchestral writing empowered by his masterly use of the winds. In contrast, the intimate, luminous Missa brevis ‘St John of God’, reveals a more contemplative faith. Directing Les Arts Florissants, William Christie illuminates these two sides of the composer with authority and poetic sensitivity, well served by a top-flight quartet of soloists
Contents and tracklist
- Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Mélissa Petit, Beth Taylor, Bastien Rimondi, Andreas Wolf
- Les Arts Florissants, William Christie, Mélissa Petit, Emmanuel Resche-Caserta
Awards and reviews
July 2026
What impresses in this recording is the restrained playfulness with which Haydn - and Christie - utilise these forces. The sprightly joy of the Gloria is especially infectious, set against the solemnity of the preceding Kyrie.
August 2026
It has all the sonic luminosity and natural polish so characteristic of the group and is beautifully sung and played. Under William Christie's sprightly direction the music often jumps with the joy for which Haydn was berated in his lifetime as being inappropriate for religious expression.
