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Josef Gabriel Rheinberger (1839 - 1906)

Christus factus est

Label: Carus, 83.158
Year: 2003

Performers:

Thomas Berning - organ

Vocalensemble Rastatt

Holger Speck - conductor

When you hear music of such high caliber, much of which is being recorded for the first time, you have to wonder why it's remained in obscurity for so long. Although Josef Rheinberger is not one of the 19th century's "big names", he should be. In a review of an earlier Carus CD of Rheinberger's music for women's voices (type Q4701 in Search Reviews) I mentioned the inevitable comparisons with Brahms, who was an almost exact contemporary. Here, if there are any similarities worth mentioning, they extend to the chromaticism characteristic of Bruckner's motets (Rheinberger's Universi and Deus tu convertens motets, for example) and the gently contoured melodic features and tightly-knit harmonic style of Stanford (Benedixisti). But for the most part, these works, including the two masses, exhibit Rheinberger's own straightforward yet extremely effective treatment of texts, highlighted by his masterful use of harmony and rhythmic inflection to color and inform the phrases.
The Missa in G, one of the three world-premieres on the program, deserves serious attention by all choirs who perform sacred music. While perfectly suited for the context of a service, the sophistication of the writing and unusually eloquent, articulate text-setting takes this mass way beyond the merely functional to a rare and sublime realm that compels careful listening--and feeling. When you can make even the Credo interesting--and then finish with one of the more beautiful realizations of the Sanctus/Benedictus/Agnus Dei sequence ever created, you belong to the ranks of only the most gifted church music composers. Although the Missa in A (another world-premiere), scored for three-part women's chorus, three soloists, and organ, isn't quite as musically interesting as the G major work, it does have its very lovely moments (especially in the Sanctus and Benedictus) and nevertheless is uniformly tuneful, harmonically engaging (with some very nice "chant" effects in the Credo), and compact--ideal for liturgical use. The beautiful Agnus Dei easily could stand alone as a church anthem.
Of the two longer motets, the Christus factus est is a challenging, ambitious work if more traditional in form with its declamatory, homophonic opening and elaborate, fugal ending. The Meditabor, scored for six-part chorus (SSATTB) is a miniature masterpiece that shows Rheinberger's most accomplished vocal writing in the context of rich textures, judicious use of chromatic harmony, and simple yet affecting melodies. Each oft the nine Advent motets is a sparkling little gem - again, this is music that should be in the performing repertoire of every good choir - and in the CD collection of every true choral fan.
And as for the choir on ibis recording - the Vocalensemble Rastatt, a group of 20-plus young singers that specializes in 19th- and 20th-century a cappella music - it's hard to imagine a finer advocate for Rheinberger's work, nor is it possible to offer anything but praise for the quality of the singing (lovely sopranos!), the attention to ensemble balance, and the careful shaping of phrases and expressive nuances. The sound is vibrant yet nicely detailed, creating an ideal sense of space while preserving the music's essential intimacy.

Josef Gabriel Rheinberger's sacred vocal music is becoming much better known but until now there have been no recordings available of same of his important church music works. This CD includes two frequently performed masses: the Missa St. Crucis and the Mass for women's choir (in aversion with organ accompaniment). There are also several interesting motets by Rheinberger, including the Nine Advent Motets, the six-voice Meditabor and Christus factus est (another a world premiere). The excellent Vocalensemble Rastatt is directed by Holger Speck, and gives outstanding performances of same of Rheinberger's best-known and loved compositions.

Tracklist:

Mass in G Major (St. Crucis), op. 151:
01. Kyrie
02. Gloria
03. Credo
04. Sanctus
05. Benedictus
06. Agnus Dei

Motets, op. 176:
07. Ad te levavi
08. Universi
09. Ex Sion
10. Deus tu convertens
11. Qui sedes
12. Benedixisti
13. Rorate coeli
14. Prope est Dominus
15. Ave Maria

16. Christus factus est op. 107,5

Mass in A Major, op. 126
17. Kyrie
18. Gloria
19. Credo
20. Sanctus - Benedictus
21. Agnus Dei

22.Meditabor op. 133,2

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