Jakub Jan Ryba - Czech Christmas Mass for soloists, choir, organ and orchestra
1. Kyrie 5:27
2. Gloria 5:06
3. Graduale 3:14
4. Credo 5:54
5. Offertorium 7:00
6. Sanctus 2:09
7. Benedictus 3:23
8. Agnus 3:13
9. Communio 2:52
10. My Lovely Nightingale. Pastorella for soprano, flute, organ and orchestra 4:14
Prague Symphony Orchestra
Prague Philharmonic Choir
conductor Vaclav Smetacek
chorus master Josef Veselka
bass Zdenek Kroupa
contralto Marie Mrazova
tenor Beno Blachut
soprano Helena Tattermuschova
soprano Jaroslava Vymazalova
organ Milan Slechta
organ Jaroslav Vodrazka
flute Jaroslav Josifko
When exactly the pastoral mass of Jakub Jan Ryba (1765-1815) became the symbol of Czech Christmas is possible to determine only approximately. We know exactly, however, why this work holds such a special place: it has a moving pastoral mood with a certain
dose of tasteful naivete which comes into beautiful harmony with Czech folk nativity scenes. And Ryba's mass, known by the first words "Hey, master," resounds today from hundreds of church choirs and magically conjures up for the listeners the idyll of old-world Christmas with an illuminated country church with snow-drifts and a frozen starry horizon. There are many recordings which capture the idyllic atmosphere of central-European Christmas as presented by Ryba. However, only few of them can boast such tasteful professionalism and pastoral poetics as this one with the conductor Smetacek, whose sonically reconstructed version we are presenting in a new graphical design. This recording will certainly become a indispensable part of your family's Christmas ritual.
(Supraphon 2002)
| Property | Value |
| format | CD audio |
