Bulgarian Choral Music
The rich, musical history of Bulgaria has a tradition of heartfelt, passionate vocal music, and what better way to express it than in a choral ensemble? For a small nation that doesn't appear on the world stage often, Bulgaria is rich in what counts the most - the arts. Both their traditional cultural music and that which celebrates their Christian faiths appears in the repertoire of Bulgaria's amazing choirs. You've heard of them, you know you have. Now why not actually hear them?
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Native Song I'm Leading a Horse, Mother A Cuckoo Called Out Aquarelle Devilish Song The Port of El Granny Pizzicati A Nightingale Is Singing Zara, You Maiden Reverie Like Snow, Like Snow, Indeed Mehmetyo, My Woe Hey, Yana Evening Dusk A Love Night A Morning by the Sea Get Up, Mother Sechenata A Young Lad Has Fallen Asleep My Native Land Divertimento Dafina, You Wine How Dear It Is To Me |
This recording features some of the finest artists practising the academic
choral art in Bulgaria. The release contains a compilation of performances of
Bulgarian choirs, starting with the children's, through the female, chamber,
mixed, and ending with the male choirs. The earliest recording in the release
is of the song "I'm leading a Horse, Mother" by Georgi Dimitrov. It is performed
by one of the earliest children's choirs - Bodra Smyana Choir. Then follow a
number of children's choirs, all with acknowledged international prestige: Bulgaria
National Radio Children's Choir, Sofia Boys' Choir, etc. Then come the female
choirs: Hristina Morfova Female Choir, Polyphonia Chamber Choir, Vassil Arnaudov
Sofia Chamber Choir, and the mixed and male choirs: Dobrudjanski Zvutsi Mixed
Choir, Morski Zvutsi Mixed Choir, Kaval Male Choir, Gusla Male Choir, etc. A
wonderful selection from a country that produces world class choral music.
| 7049 CD $15.98 |
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This CD is the second of the Bulgarian Choral Art Series. It presents some of the best samples of choral music in Bulgaria. All of the pieces are arrangements by Bulgarian composers of original folk melodies. The recording includes performances by a variety of choirs: mixed, male, female and children's. The singing heard on this CD is in a Western classical style rather than the very pointed sound often associated with Bulgarian singing. The liner notes give translations of the songs.
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Winter Song Panis Angelicus Two Humorous Folk Songs Our Father Why Is the Spout Dripping? Song Bridge O Holy Night Pizzicati Serenade A Ludicrous Dance Motor-Car Race The Little Nightingale Tempo di Valse I Want to Go to Heaven Regina coeli K. 276 Melodies from the Shoppe Region |
A celebration of 40 years of existence for the world-famous, 33-strong, mixed BNRCC makes us look at the founder of this amazing group, and at their present director and conductor. Hristo Nedyalkov, Professor in choral conducting at Sofia University, "a happy combination of great artistic talent and keen sense of teaching" is both founder and director. The popularity, renown, creative achievements and awards won by the choir over the years border on the incredible. The young Bulgarian singers have performed to acclaim in the famous concert halls in the capitals of the world. "The children sing like angels…" "Their voices are as crystal clear as a mountain spring…" Absolutely. A full hour of lightly accompanied, exuberant music is here, including an original by the director, "Winter Song." Some classical music (Cesar Franck's "Panis Angelicus," Schubert's "Serenade," Mozart's "Regina coeli K. 276), some folk (Nicolas Kaufmann's "Two Humorous Folk Songs" and "Melodies from the Shoppe Region," and Milko Kolarov's "Why is the Spout Dripping), a Christmas song ("O Holy Night") and even a spiritual, ("I Want to Go to Heaven"). Mostly sung in Bulgarian, but with voices like these, who cares?
| 6872 CD $15.98 |
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Sadba Damba Dilele Mi ideme preko pole Barisha, barisha I Went to Elbasan Vila sei gora Bulgarian Pastorale Jenala e Dyulber Jana Makedonsko devoiche Devoiche belo, tsurveno Povdigni si milo libe Vassilke, mlada nevesto Zemiata na Orfei An Ohrid Legen about Bilyana Bouzuki taqsim Krai rekata Sasedi |
Bulgaria is a musical empire of ancient times. This unknown style of female vocal singing is finally receiving the recognition it deserves after years of isolation. Demonstrating mastery in advanced harmony and developed breath control, these women will amaze you with tonality and resonance that suggests a deeper look into the oppression and humanity of this mystical land of the Rhodope Mountains. "There is a clarion purity to their singing which continues to express timeless sentiments of the human condition." Created by contemporary classic composers the music is rich with traditional melodies yet complex in harmony and texture, using the distinctive vocal timbres and techniques indigenous to Bulgaria. This is a fascinating introduction to a musical legacy.
| 7801 CD $15.98 |
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Nov Den Polegnala e Toudora Pilentze Pee Kalimanko Denko Triptih Utopia Begala e Vena Mechmetio Sestro Dobriano Jano, Hubavo Jano Trista Pushki Zavesata Pada |
Bulgaria is a musical empire of ancient times. This unknown style of female vocal singing is finally receiving the recognition it deserves after years of isolation. Demonstrating mastery in advanced harmony and developed breath control, these women will amaze you with tonality and resonance that suggests a deeper look into the oppression and humanity of this mystical land of the Rhodope Mountains. "There is a clarion purity to their singing which continues to express timeless sentiments of the human condition." Created by contemporary classic composers the music is rich with traditional melodies yet complex in harmony and texture, using the distinctive vocal timbres and techniques indigenous to Bulgaria. This is a fascinating introduction to a musical legacy.
| 6496 CD $15.98 |
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Rozhdestveni kambani (Christmas bells) - Petar Liondev Koledna nosht (Christmas night) - Petar Liondev Koledna pesen (Christmas song) - Gentcho Gentchev Momata s chudna riza (The lass with a spended dress) - Georgy Petkov Divnitza (Wonderful star) - Gerogy Petkov Koledna zvezda (Christmas star) - Stefan Dragostinov Bogorodize Devo (Holy Virgin) - Orthodox / arr. Priest Kiril Popov Sveti Petar (Saint Peter) - Petar Liondev Hei pastiri (Hey, shepherds) - trad. Arr. Georgy Petkov La Notte Di Natale (Christmas night) - Silvio Pedrotti/ arr. Ivan Spassov Vitleemska zvezda (Ihr Kinderlein, kommet) - arr. Alexander Josiffov Koledna prilazka (A Christmas tale) - Georgy Petkov Tiha nosht, svjata nosht (Silent night, Holy night) - Franz Gruber / arr. Alexander Josiffov Rozhdestvo Hristovo (Christmas) - Dobri Hristov / arr. Georgy Petkov |
Singing is an important tradition in Bulgaria, especially at Christmas, whether at church or caroling in people's homes. There is a unique sonority specific to Christmas within the incredibly rich musical palette. This recording contains Bulgarian folk carols, Orthodox Church music and more familiar Christmas tunes, such as "Silent Night." The simple melodies and sincere lyrics of these songs will bring joy and peace to your Christmas celebration.
| 7291 CD $15.98 |
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Polegnala e Toudora (Todora's dream) (Philip Koutev) Grozda Moma (Young Groda) (Dimitar Dinev) Dragana i slavei (Dragana and the nighingale) (Philip Koutev) Bre Ivane (Hey, Ivan) (Anastas Naumov) Jano, hubavo Jano Listni se goro (Green Forrest) (Stefan Moutafchiev) Tapan bie (Beating the drum) (Zdravko Manalov) Kazhi, kazhi, Angio (Tell me, Angio) (Philip Koutev) S'gaida na horo (Dancing to the bagpipe) (Peter Lyondev) Ozdole Ide devoitche (A young maiden is arriving) (trad arr. Dimitar Dinev) Tin vjater vee (The wind is blowing) (trad. arr. Stehan Kanev) Sestro Dobriano (Sister Dobrjana) (Krassimir Kroumov) Tri biulbiui pejat (Three birds are singing) Dimjaninka (Philip Koutev) Pilentze pee (A bird is singing) (Krassimir Kyurkchiyski) Lale li si (Are you a tulip) (Philip Koutev) Kalugerine (The monk) (Nikolai Staikov) Mechmetio (Ivan Spasov) Dyulmano, dyulbero (Krassimir Kyurkchiyski) Kalimanko Denko (Godmother Denka) (Krassimir Kyurkchiyski) Polegnala e Toudora (Todora's dream) (Philip Koutev) |
Melody Rhythm & Harmony was recorded live by the Bulgarian Women's Choir during their 1993 tour in Norway. The songs presented here encompass the wide variety of styles from the various Bulgarian regions. Many of the arrangements include those of Philip Koutev, who was largely responsible for preserving the folk tradition. These songs are largely a cappella with a few accompanied by traditional Bulgarian instruments. The diverse history of the country has lent itself to produce music which requires great skill and feeling. And its rich culture continues to be preserved by this group.
| 9834 CD $11.98 |
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The 19-strong Bulgarian Voices combine with two smaller instrumental groups, the Moscow Art Trio and Huun-Huur-Tu to create an authentic, eclectic collection of folk tunes that explore the similarities and differences between Russian, Bulgarian and Tuvan folk music. The 28 musicians create a surprising, spirited, energetic, all-accompanied sound on 10 songs: "Midnight Tale," "Sunrise," "Early Morning With My Horse," "New Skomorohi," "Sad Harvest," "Mountain Fairy-Tale," "Dancing Voices," "Grand Finale," "Epilog" and "300 Pushki." Often the all-women Bulgarian Voices reminds us of Solstice, who did a great set recently at the Bay Area Sweeps Regionals. Particularly nice is "Dancing Voices," when the soprano and tenor solos soar above the rhythmic bass chanting, the sweet, sensual "Epilog," and the lovely lament, "300 Pushki," the story of the death of a hero. Some great pix of the group(s) in the liner notes, in authentic costumes.
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Pilentze Pee (Pilentze Sings) Svatba (The Wedding) Kalimankou Denjou (The Evening Gathering) Strati na Angelaki Doumasche (Haiduk Song) Polegnala e Pschenitza (Harvest Song from Thrace) Messetschinko lio Greilivko (Love Song from the Mountains) Brei Yvane (Dancing Song) Erghen Diado (Song of Schopsko) Sableyalo mi Agontze (The Bleating Lamb) Pritouritze Planinata (Song from the Thracian Plain) |
The distinctive sounds of Bulgarian folk singing come from many cultural influences, as a country that was under the rule of the Tartar from central Asia and the Ottoman Turks. Many Asian elements can be heard in the use of modal scales, dissonant harmonies and rhythmical and metrical variety. The diaphonic singing tradition of two voices moving in parallel seconds, sevenths or ninths along with the metallic vocal timbres is preserved in the many arrangements. To western ears, this style of singing seems very strange. The a cappella singing is occasionally accompanied by traditional instruments. On this recording can be heard the flute-like kaval (Pritouritze Planinata), and the fiddle-like gadulka (Brei Yvane). The Bulgarian State Radio and Television Female Vocal Choir is led by Philip Koutev and Krasimir Kyurkchiyski who were the forefathers of the Bulgarian folk movement. From the dissonance of "Pilentze PeeÓ to the beautiful melody of "Polegnala e Todora" this music is simple and enormously diverse.
| 9201 CD $14.98 |
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Kaval Sviri (Thrace) (The Flute Plays) Stani Mi, Maytcho (Rhodopes) (Get Up, My Daughter) Di-Li-Do (Pirine) More Zajeni Se Ghiouro (Shopsko) (Ghioro Marries) Tche Da Ti Kupim Bela Seitsa (Rhodopes) (I'm Going to Buy You Some White Silk) Ovdoviala Lissitchkata (Dobroudja) Messetchinko Lio (Rhodopes) (You, Little Roujke) Dragana I Slavei (Thrace) (Dragana's Song) Atmadja Duma Strachilu (Thrace) (revolutionary song) Dve Tourlaski Pesen (Shopsko) (Teasing) Trenke, Todorke (Shopsko) Bezrodza Nevesta (Shopsko) (Young Childless Wife) Izpoved (Rhodopes) (Confession) Ghiore Dos (Thrace) (Teasing) Spis Li, Milke Le (Rhodopes) (If You Are Sleeping, Milke) |
This second volume of Le Mystere des voix Bulgares features performances by the Bulgarian State Radio and Televison Female Choir and the Female Vocal Choir, Sofia won a GRAMMY award in 1990. This dynamic music comes from an oral tradition. Though the true folk style is dying out, these songs are preserved in modern versions which combine folk with classical elements creating a new art form. Bulgarian vocal music is usually sung by women who are picked for the natural beauty of their voices. The performances on this CD were recorded in the 70's and 80's. "Ovdoviala Lissitchkatka" recorded in 1957, however, sounds closer to the original folk style than the more artfully arranged pieces. All of these pieces are truly fascinating.
| 9202 CD $14.98 |
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'Ritual' is an unusual recording for the Bulgarian State Television Female Vocal Choir. For one thing, two male guest artists make appearances on two of the songs and a measure of instrumentation on half a dozen tunes includes one instrumental (gasp!). It's a wonderful dance tune which only enhances the feel of the recording dealing mostly with tunes meant for St. Lazar's Day and also Christmas carols. This recording (1994) is the first studio album since the group's two Le Mystere anthologies of the late 1980's. The tradition established by Philip Koutev in the 1950's of applying the compositional methods of concert practice to folk material is still the origin of the famous sound of this choir, now directed by Dora Hristova. Another fascinating aside on this recording is the group singing "A Jewish Triptych (Sephardic)" composed and arranged by Nikolai Kaufmann. This is glorious music that anyone literate in world music should know.
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The famous choir named The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices conducted by Dora
HRISTOVA again conveys its challenge to Bulgarian folk music lovers, this
time with their interpretation of songs from the most widely spread and
cherished customs, those at Christmas and at St. Lazar's Day. The songs
sung at Christmas and St. Lazar's Day lend specific colour in the repertoire
of many ensembles. This programme is a successful attempt to select songs
which represent a comparison between the two customs. Christmas is celebrated
on the day when the church commemorates Christ's nativity. Yet the deep
meaning of the custom is in the ancient pagan beliefs about the birth
of the new sun. There are young men-Christmas-carollers and their leader
is always an older man, called stanenik. According to the custom, the
time for Christmas celebration is specifically set - from midnight till
sunrise. The Christmas carollers make their rounds always starting to
the west. They sing songs glorifying the host in every house and bless
him for health and fertility. In their turn, the hosts present them with
Christmas ring-shaped buns decorated with a coin and meat, beans, etc.
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Folk Scat was formed in 1989 by the renowned composer and director, Kiril
Todorov. They became an instant success in their Bulgarian homeland. As
their reputation traveled, they became touring successes throughout Europe.
The music Kiril composes for Folk Scat is a cross between traditional
folk songs and jazz, during which the voices of three women and two men
are frequently enhanced by use of traditional percussion (not just a western
drum set) and occasionally fiddle. The harmonies are built on the haunting
minor chords which our ears learned to love from our exposure to the various
Bulgarian Women's Choirs which we have heard. It is wonderful to be taken
from the traditional folk song to suddenly find ourselves listening to
Beethoven's "Fur Elise," arranged in a Swingleish style. We
particularly love "Razvedrila se a planina," a mysterious solo
supported by background drones and harmonies, as well as "Orisnitsi"
which is a vocal styling of bells. We strongly recommend this international
release.
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There is an ancient mythology sung by the followers of Orpheus which
has been preserved as folk song in the Rhodope mountains of Bulgaria.
These are the sort of songs which have been given a concert hall exposure
by the Bulgarian Women's Choir. The Rhodopea Kaba Trio are the musical
living treasury of these ancient songs. The Kaba portion of their name
refers to the fact that they are singing in a low register which corresponds
to the sound of the kaba bagpipe, a favorite instrument in the Rhodope
mountain area.You will hear not only a fascinating style of singing which
begins with a monophonic melody and splits into three polyphonic planes
but also, on four of the twenty-one songs, you will hear Ivelina Balcheva,
a jazz singer, take off into her own improvisational embellishments of
ancient tradition. We strongly suggest this recording to those who love
the songs of Bulgarian women.
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Wohlauf, ihr Gaste gut Ce moys de May Good Morrow, fair ladies of the May Ich liebe dich Die Machtigall In Meeres Meerfe Der Wasserman Angel Chorus from the Opera "Tsar Kaloyan" Dragana and the nightingale Lyulyai, Done Winter Sumna v sunnite gradini Tebe poem Havalite imya Gospodne Dostoino est Ave Maria Ave Maria Ave verum corpus Laudi all Vergine Maria Are verum corpus Salve Regina |
Conductor Vassil Arnaudov, who died in 1991, was a huge influence on the 40-strong
women's choir, helping it build a broad repertoire, from European renaissance-baroque
polyphony to 20th century music, and turning many Bulgarian choral works into
masterpieces. There is light piano accompaniment on a few of these 23 pieces,
but the emphasis is on the lilting, soaring soprano voices with their crystal-clear
diction, that dance over difficult passages with grace and polished ease. Some
of our favorites are the title tune, Schubert's "Die Nachtigall," Thomas Morley's
"Good morrow, fair ladies of the May," Beethoven's "Ich liebe dich," Philip
Koutev's "Draguna and the nightingale," Verdi's "Laudi alla Vergine Maria" and
Mozart's "Ave verum corpus," but each piece is beautifully realized. A special
collection of choral music by one of the best choirs in Europe, directed by
the brilliant conductor who brought them to that place.
| 6934 CD $15.98 |
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Tamburinschlagerin Waldmadchen Klosterfraulein Soldatenbraut Meerfey Die Capelle Rosmarien Jager Wohlgemuth Der Wassermann Das verlassene Magdlein Der Bleicherin Nachtlied In Meeres Mitten Mailied Fruhlingslied An die Nachtigall An den Abendstern Nanie Triolett Spruch Mailied Spinnelied Sommerruh Chor der houris as "Das Paradies und die Peri" Landliches Lied Lied |
The release features a selection of songs by Schumann, performed by the well-known Bulgarian female chamber choir VASSIL ARNAUDOV conducted by Irina Stiglich and Theodora Pavlovich. Almost all songs were composed in the forties of the 19th century, a time of elation for Schumann, who had finally found real happiness in life. His lyrical songs are an expression of his innermost feelings of joy, sorrow, delight and inspirations connected with the poetry of his beloved Moerike, Ruekert, Eichendorff, Elisabeth Kulmann and other German poets who have been a source of inspiration for many composers of romantic music. Some of the shorter songs like Rosmarien, Mailied, Fruehlingslied, Spinnelied, as well as the chorus from the oratory ÒDas Paradies und die PeriÓ are real musical jewels. Selected with much precision, the lyrical songs reveal SchumannÕs talent in shaping the small, always exquisitely woven musical form, his musical gift to create images, metaphors, characters, and natural scenery. The interpretation of singers and choir-masters alike is magnificent with its sincere emotion, subtle nuances of sound and colour, keen feeling for ensemble and perfect intonation.
| 7051 CD $15.98 |
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The CD includes several, now cherished as a valuable archive, recordings
of the great Bulgarian choral conductor Prof. Vassil ARNAUDOV, director
of long standing of the Sofia Chamber Women's Choir. These are the enchanting
"Winter Reflections" by Todor Popov, a composer closely associated with
Arnaudov, just like the other authors in the CD - Lyubomir Pipkov, Konstantin
Iliev, Alexander Tekeliev, Alexander Tanev and Ivan Spassov. With the
exception of the latter's "Triptych", all the songs were created for and
first performed by the choir, on the initiative of Vassil Arnaudov who
was an invaluable promoter and friend of Bulgarian vocal music. After
his death the choir not only took his name bur also carried on his ideas
and trends championed by his pupil Theodora Pavlovitch (who is presently
the choir's conductor) and choir-master, pianist and vocal pedagogue Irina
Shtiglich. The superb sound and emotional expressiveness make this CD
of tenderly nostalgic and intimately lyrical songs a precious collection
for music lovers.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Ave Maria Ave verum corpusCharles Gounod: Messe No. 4 in C Major Kyrie Gloria Sanctus O salutaris hostia Agnus DeiGiuseppe Zelioli Laudate Dominum omnes gentes Regina coeli Agnus DeiMessa facile e melodica Kyrie Gloria Credo Sanctus Benedictus Agnus Dei |
The first boys' choir in Bulgaria, founded in 1968, the Sofia Boys' Choir has been conducted by Adrian Blagoeva since 1989, who has led them in an active touring and recording schedule, and to numerous awards in international competitions. All sacred music and all organ accompanied, "Laudate" features two works by Mozart, "Ave Maria" and "Ave verum corpus," 5 works by Charles Gounod (1818-93), including "Kyrie," "Gloria," "Sanctus," and others, and 9 works by Giuseppe Zelioli (1880-1949), including the title song, "Regina coeli," "Agnus Dei" and others. The clear, bell-like voices of the boys (ages 7 to 15) make "Laudate" a treat throughout. The Sofia Boys' Choir has gained a reputation as one of the best in the world, and it is a reputation that is well deserved. They truly sing like angels!
| 6931 CD $15.98 |
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Founded in 1968 for boys ages 7 to 15, about 40 of which appear in concert,
Bulgaria's SBC has been directed since 1989 by the talented Adriana Blagoeva.
They released their first CD in 1981, "Britten" was recorded in 1993.
The group has toured internationally, gaining a worldwide reputation for
excellence performing a varied repertoire which includes Renaissance,
Baroque, and Contemporary compositions by Bulgarian authors as well as
large-scope cantata and oratorio works. This CD includes 5 works by Benjamin
Britten (1913-76) and 17 by Giovanni Pergolesi (1710-36)ãthe Britten pieces
have some organ accompaniment and feature two female sopranos, and the
Pergolesi ones are orchestrally accompanied and feature a mezzo-soprano.
The voices of the boys soar clear and sweet, and the adult soloists are
wonderful. Heavenly sacred music, beautifully performed!
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The Sofia Boys¹ Choir is one of the most prestigious Bulgarian choirs
of its kind, winner of many awards at international and national competitions.
Under the guidance of the talented Adriana Blagoeva, during the past few
years the choir has widened the range of its repertoire by including masterpieces
of sacred music both Catholic and Orthodox. The performances are distinguished
by the unique beauty of sounds of the boys¹ voices led by the conductor
with great skill. Each song features not only the professionalism of the
great choirs, but also precision of dynamics, accents and gradation, typical
of religious singing. The singers and their musicality, the perfectly
performed tunes, the crystal sounds, as well as the characteristic reverberation
of the recordings that recreates the atmosphere in Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
leave a deep impression.
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On Magnificat by the Sofia Boys Choir, led by Adriana Blagoeva, the Bulgarian choir sings rarely performed works from the late Baroque and early Classical periods. The CD begins with the Magnificat by Czech composer _imon Brixi. This engaging piece is for four voice choir, SATB soloists and chamber orchestra. Also included on this release is the German Mass by Michael Haydn for four voice choir with Soprano and Tenor soloists and organ accompaniment.
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