Returning to these masses after nearly a five year gap, I was astounded at how wonderful they are - this is trully ecstatic music but also at the same time playful joyful and just full of the joy of being. And, Gardiner simply attacks the music bringing out the wonderful orchestration. In my view, Haydn surpasses Mozart in this music (leaving aside the Da Ponte operas, of course). I used to have favourites of these masses and to some extent some I love more than others but they all musically spell out the joys and giftedness of being. What an extraordinary way for Haydn to end his career, right at the top!4 个人发现此评论有用