“intimate but equally dramatic, it is dense but at the same time accessible”

I think that the sound of Bruckner’s sacred music is unique, particularly in this monumental Mass, because of his individual and dramatical way of interpreting the liturgical texts thus creating many different atmospheres through contrasting dynamics and articulations. Stylistically, Bruckner immerses himself in the polyphonic and contrapuntal language of the Renaissance and in the austerity of Gregorian chant, all combined in a natural and unique use of harmony that evokes Schubert’s enharmonic modulations and Wagner’s chromatic progressions continually moving the tonal center. The composer displays various compositional styles and shows his deep knowledge of the choral instrument as well as the orchestral palette. The choir is the main protagonist and the instrumental ensemble adds color to the harmonies or appears to “punctuate” either a new entry, a new articulation or to highlight a word. The extensive vocal range, the chromatic language and the complex polyphony need an experienced choir and a sensitive conductor able to combine successfully all these elements and produce a balanced and emotional interpretation.