This new release from MDG presents a remastered recording of Rossini's Petite Messe solennelle, originally recorded in 1976 under the baton of Hermann Kreutz.

Only a handful of microphones were used in this production, which found a larger, enthusiastic audience rather by chance as an LP. The trade press was unanimous: "the favourite record... - outstanding spatiality..." (stereoplay), "musically as well as performance- wise a top-quality event" (FonoForum) and awarded top ratings.

This is certainly due to the gripping and inspired performance of the Bachchor Gütersloh, which Hermann Kreutz had formed over decades into an excellent ensemble. Together with the four soloists and the distinctive instrumental instrumentation of two pianos and harmonium, Rossini's incomparable melodic arcs blossomed in a way rarely experienced. Preciousness

The German choral conductor, Hermann Kreutz, studied church music in Herford and choral conducting at the Hochschule für Musik in Detmold. His teachers in choral conducting were Wilhelm Ehmann and Kurt Thomas. From 1957 to 1991 Hermann Kreutz worked as a church musician in Gütersloh, and was director of the Bachchor Gütersloh. Moreover, he was until 1997 a lecturer in choral singing and choral conducting at the Musikhochschule in Detmold, Abteilung Münster.

Live recording: 7 November 1976, Abteikirche Marienfeld