A Schubert Mass from St. Paul

When Nonesuch issued this recording of Schubert's A flat Mass in 1977, it had no competition in the catalog. The composer's liturgical works just weren't all that popular - or even known - back then.

So this accomplished version from St. Paul, Minnesota was welcomed avidly - by at least one reviewer anyway.

For good reason - it is a highly enjoyable performance of a fascinating work, and very well recorded. As far as I know it has not been available since the original issue.

Franz Schubert by Wilhelm August Rieder

Although the work is a Missa Solemnis, Richard Freed noted in Stereo Review that it "is more jubilant than solemn, a most attractive blend of Schubert’s characteristic lyricism with the theatrical/virtuoso elements in the Masses of Mozart and Haydn."

The Mass is contemporaneous with two of the composer's most renowned works - the Unfinished Symphony and the Rosamunde music.

Dennis Russell Davies and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra 

Conducting the performance was the young Dennis Russell Davies, then 32 and the music director of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, a fine ensemble. He enlisted a superior solo quartet for the work, soprano Marlee Sabo, mezzo-soprano Jan DeGaetani, tenor Paul Sperry and baritone Leslie Guinn.

Freed compared the disc to another that had been led by Antonio Janigro, which he found "by no means displeasing. But the new version knocks it out of court in just about every respect. First of all, good as Janigro’s concept is, Davies’ is more inspiriting still; in place of the nondescript Italian soloists, Davies has a first-rate quartet; his choral forces are at least equal to Janigro’s, and his St. Paul Chamber Orchestra conspicuously outshines the Milanese ensemble in both the brilliance and the warmth of its playing. Enfolding it all is the rich and realistic sound, which leaves the competition even further behind."

Marlee Sabo, Jan DeGaetani

A few words about the performers: Marlee Sabo has been on the faculty of the Wisconsin Conservatory since 1967, currrently as an emeritus, and has performed extensively in the Midwest. Jan DeGaetani, who died in 1989, was famed for her performances of music from all periods, particularly contemporary works.

Paul Sperry, Leslie Guinn

Paul Sperry, who passed away earlier this year, was another vocalist with a wide repertoire who often performed works written for him. Leslie Guinn also was a specialist in contemporary music and was head of the vocal department at the University of Michigan for many years. He died in 2020.

Dennis Russell Davies is still very active at age 80, currently as chief conductor of the Brno Philharmonic and of the MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Recording session in St. Paul's House of Hope Presbyterian Church

Let me also mention the contributions of the various choral ensembles from Carleton College of Northfield, Minnesota, as directed by William Wells.

Finally, the well-regarded sound team of Marc Aubort (d. 2023) and Joanna Nickrenz (d. 2002), who produced hundreds of unobtrusively excellent recordings during this period.

Richard Freed's conclusion: "All in all, a stunning production, one that should go a long way toward making this splendid work as familiar and beloved as Schubert's instrumental compositions and songs." That hasn't happened yet - but even so there are many more recordings today than there were when the St. Paul sessions took place.

The link below is to the 16-bit, 44.1kHz lossless transfer. A high resolution version is available upon request.

LINK