The Mass of St. Cecilia by Charles Gounod (Messe solennelle en l'honneur de Sainte-Cécile)
The "Cecilia Mass" is probably Charles Gounod's best-known work of church music. It stands out from his other masses due to its exceptionally large orchestral accompaniment. On the occasion of the premiere of the "Messe solennelle en l'honneur de Sainte-Cécile", also known as the "Cäcilienmesse" for short, the composer Camille Saint-Saëns, who was present at the time, wrote: "The premiere on the anniversary of St. Cecilia astonished the audience. This simplicity, this grandeur, this pure light, which spread over the musical world like a twilight, caused a kind of daze. Brilliant rays emanated from this mass. At first you were dazzled, then intoxicated and finally overwhelmed. One felt that a genius had been at work here." The Cäcilienmesse is one of the most brilliant choral works of the 19th century. A sublime and yet easily accessible masterpiece full of power and splendor!
Program

FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY
Opening chorus from Psalm 42
"As the stag cries"
FRANZ SCHUBERT
Symphony No. 7 "The Unfinished"
Allegro moderato - Andante moderato
CHARLES GOUNOD
Messe solennelle en l'honneur de Sainte-Cécile "Cäcilienmesse"
Kyrie - Gloria - Credo - Offertoire - Sanctus - Benedictus - Agnus Dei - Domine Salvum


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