You will rarely hear a richer, more pleasingly sonorous or warmly resonant men’s ensemble sound—and the repertoire, beginning with Joseph Rheinberger’s gorgeous Mass in B-flat Op. 172…shows these singers in full command of music that truly defines the description in the disc’s title: “romantic”. Yes, these are all sacred works, but in these settings there is not a trace of the heavily penitential, “churchy” tone that characterizes, that weighs down, say, the sacred music of Liszt from the same period. This is music that celebrates the sheer beauty of combined male voices, with the most heartfelt melody, the most unashamedly sumptuous harmony, while moving the listener in a direction that can only be described as other-worldly, where the spirit is touched and the musical ear is delighted. You think you’re not a fan of male-choir music? Try this and be converted. © 2012 ClassicsToday.com Read complete review