Ferenc Liszt – Missa Choralis & Sacred Choral Music (CD)

UPC: 5991811274726 

MPN: HCD 12747 

Brand Name: Hungaroton Classic

Overview

Ferenc Liszt – Missa Choralis & Sacred Choral Music showcases the deep spiritual and musical maturity of Franz (Ferenc) Liszt, a composer whose later works merged Romantic expressiveness with profound sacred devotion. Performed by the Hungarian Youth Ensemble Choir under the direction of Kálmán Strausz, this 1994 Hungaroton Classic release features some of Liszt’s most heartfelt choral masterpieces, including the complete Missa Choralis and several rarely recorded sacred works.

The recording captures the contemplative beauty of Liszt’s sacred compositions—marked by modal harmony, rich chromaticism, and introspective emotion. Works such as O Salutaris Hostia, Cantantibus Organis, and Qui Seminant in Lacrimis display Liszt’s innovative approach to liturgical music, combining traditional Gregorian inspiration with Romantic harmonic color.

Digitally recorded in the Franciscan Church of Vác, the album offers an authentic acoustic resonance that mirrors the reverence and transcendence of Liszt’s late religious period.

Product Features

• Format: Audio CD (DDD – Digital Stereo Recording)
• Genre: Classical / Sacred Choral / Romantic
• Composer: Ferenc Liszt (1811–1886)

• Performers:

  Label: Hungaroton Classic Ltd.
  • Hungarian Youth Ensemble Choir
  • Conductor: Kálmán Strausz
  • Organ: Zsuzsa Elekes
  • Piano: István Dénes

  • Soloists:

    • Márta Lukin – Soprano
    • Mária Temesi – Soprano
    • Tamara Takács – Alto
    • János Bándi – Tenor
    • István Gáti – Baritone
    • József Gregor – Bass
• Country of Manufacture: Austria (CD by Sony DADC)
• Recording Location: Franciscan Church, Vác (Hungary)
• Recording Year: 1986
• Release Year: 1994
• Language: Latin (Sung Texts)
• Booklet Languages: English, French, German, and Hungarian
• Total Time: 55:11

Track Listing

1. Missa Choralis

   • I. Kyrie – 7:12
   • II. Gloria – 5:32
   • III. Credo – 8:55
   • IV. Sanctus – 2:20
   • V. Benedictus – 6:51
   • VI. Agnus Dei – 6:23

2. O Salutaris Hostia (2nd Version) – 2:30

3. Mariengarten (Quasi cedrus) – 5:16

4. Cantantibus Organis (2nd Version) – 6:10

5. Qui Seminant in Lacrimis – 3:15

Total Duration: 55:11

Interesting Facts

• Liszt’s Sacred Period: Missa Choralis and the accompanying motets stem from Liszt’s later life, when his compositions reflected his intense religious devotion and philosophical contemplation.
• Cantantibus Organis (1879): Written for St. Cecilia’s Day, this piece integrates Gregorian chant motifs with Liszt’s harmonic language, creating an ethereal dialogue between past and present.
• Qui Seminant in Lacrimis (1884): Based on Psalm 125, this deeply personal work symbolizes Liszt’s own struggles and faith—“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.”
• Authentic Acoustics: Recorded in the Franciscan Church of Vác, the album benefits from natural reverberation ideally suited for sacred choral textures.
• Hungarian Excellence: The Hungarian Youth Ensemble Choir and soloists represent a strong tradition of vocal excellence and choral artistry within Hungary’s classical music heritage.

Publishers

Published by: Hungaroton Classic Ltd., Budapest Recording Producer: János Mátyás Balance Engineer: László Csintalan Cover Art: St. Augustine and St. John Chrysostom by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome) Design: Miklós Juhász Manufactured by: Sony DADC, Austria Recorded: 1986 | Released: 1994

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