As 19th-century masses go, this is one of the more user friendly. This is so by virtue of its many fine qualities, not least of which is its relative brevity (at only 45 minutes.) But the Mass’ main selling point must surely be Gounod’s continually captivating melodies with which he lyrically and romantically fashions the liturgical text in each of the movements. Though any mass from that era uses Bach as the ground-plan, Gounod clearly was influenced by Berlioz’s requiem, especially in the Agnus Dei and Sanctus. Traditionally, Gounod includes a central Invocation that comes as a welcome moment of contemplation.
The performers here are all excellent. Barbara Hendricks deploys her ever-angelic tones to serene effect in the Gloria and Benedictus, while Laurence Dale wonderfully characterizes the Sanctus’ Berlioz-like tenor solo. Baritone Jean-Philippe Lafont also makes a welcome contribution. Georges Prêtre keeps the work flowing with lively tempos, and the Radio-France Chorus contributes a beautiful sonic infrastructure admirably supported by the fine Nouvel Orchestre Philharmonique. The early digital EMI recording suffers from that era’s glassiness, but still has plenty of impact.
