This unique, limited-edition boxed set offers 50 CDs of the greatest choral masterpieces of the past 500 years, stretching from Renaissance Masses and the glories of the Baroque and Classical eras through to the major works of the Romantic era and the diversity of the 20th and 21st centuries, all in some of the greatest recordings ever committed to disc.
Western art music owes its very existence to the church: harmony and multi-stranded polyphony derive from the work of church musicians working across Europe 500 years ago, seeking either to expiate sins or glorify and magnify the Almighty with praises: hence the title `Magnificat'.
The performances include an array of stellar artists in exceptional - even legendary - recordings from two of classical music's greatest labels, Decca and Deutsche Grammophon. Citing just some: John Eliot Gardiner's definitive Bach B Minor Mass, and St John Passion, famed Monteverdi Vespers and Brahms Requiem readings; Peter Schreier's Award-winning Mozart Requiem; Paul McCreesh's Haydn Creation and Schütz Vespers; Giulini's Rossini Stabat Mater; Solti's incandescent Verdi Requiem and Mahler Symphony No. 8; Christopher Hogwood's incisive period-instrument Messiah; the acclaimed Walton Belshazzar's Feast with Bryn Terfel; Britten's own definitive War Requiem and Bernstein's interpretation of his Chichester Psalms among many others. Sung texts - including a translation into English where appropriate - are included on a special bonus CD
A 160-page booklet offers detailed tracklistings, full artist and production information including details on recording dates and venues and producers. A 4000-word essay by noted choral music writer Andrew Stewart is provided in English, French and German.
