Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (b. 1809) received a classical music education during a period of stylistic upheaval at the beginning of the Romantic Era. Influenced by the late works of Beethoven and Schubert, Mendelssohn set out to strike a balance between the burgeoning romanticism and his own, more classically-oriented, outlook. That he succeeded in this is clear in secular works such as the Italian Symphony and the Hebrides overture. Greatly affected by the work of Bach, his purpose in the area of sacred music grew to essentially redefine the function and liturgical role of church music. Here we have 19 examples of Mendelssohn's dynamic, revolutionary sacred music, beginning with the dramatic "Kyrie in d fur gimischten Chor, Soli un Orchester," and then the 18 movements of "Der 42. Psalm "Wie der Hirsch schreit" op. 42." These range from the haunting oboe and soprano solos of "Aria" and "Recitativo/Arie" to the triumphant horns and orchestra of "Schlusschor;" the sweet soprano a cappella strains of "Hebe deine Augen auf fur dreistimmigen Fravenchor" to the Gregorian chant-like "Beati mortui/Seliq sind die Toten, aus: Zwei geistliche Mannerchore op. 115 fur vier Stimmen" and "Zum Abendsegen "Herr, sei gnadig" fur vierstimmigen gemischten Chor." This is beautiful, powerful sacred music, penned by a master composer and sung by one of the finest chamber choirs in the world