This is a digital-only pre-release of the album “Rheinberger & Frank: Masses for double choir” scheduled for release on June 12.

Rheinberger composed his “Cantus Missae” in 1878, during his tenure as court chapel master to King Ludwig II. The work bears witness to his successful reconciliation of the conflicting artistic currents of his time, and it is precisely this perfect equilibrium that has rendered it timeless. The Mass captivates with its melodic, often almost Lied like character; yet, on closer listening, the music reveals a striking modernity for its era.

The releases of the SWR Vokalensemble and its chief conductor Yuval Weinberg are distinguished by thematic and dramaturgical coherence as well as artistic excellence.

The Masses featured on this album draw on the centuries old tradition of double choir composition techniques, yet retain a timeless quality and are among the most cherished Mass settings.