LUDVIG VAN BEETHOVEN

"it swells with warmth but never strives to achieve a superficial excitement which the piece doesn’t contain. The London Symphony Chorus is one of the cornerstones of the recording: their sensitivity, across-the-board consistency of quality and clear diction ensures the highest standards are met … what the LSO has produced is stirring stuff and a complete bargain"

"This LSO Live release should appeal to anyone who dismisses Beethoven’s Mass in C as an inferior ‘work in progress’ step towards the mighty Missa solemnis. Sir Colin Davis treats Beethoven’s earlier setting with as much reverence, expressive depth and commitment as is usually reserved for its successor ... The chorus is consistently impressive, its large size belied by superb homogeneity and precision. The soloists are as strong and well rounded a quartet as have ever been assembled for this work, blending beautifully in. Davis’s expert direction lovingly picks out a wealth of inner detail that often slips by unnoticed"

"Davis’s latest LSO Live recording of Beethoven’s Mass in C is excellent and blessed with exceptional soloists. He continually brings out the many pre-echoes of the Missa Solemnis and draws deeply committed playing from his orchestra and highly polished singing from the chorus"

"a dramatic performance of a dramatic work"

"Colin Davis leads a superb quartet of soloists and brings out all teh humanity and tenderness of the music with his customary skill. The London Symphony Chorus responds brilliantly ... another winning from LSO Live."