The fifth volume in the Hickox/Chandos survey of Haydn Masses has just been released and contains the Mass in B flat major (Heiligmess) and the Mass in G major (Nikolaimesse). Both works are excellent examples of Haydn's mastery of the sacred choral form. There are rousing choruses and beautiful aria/type passages combining duets, trios, and quartets with solo singing. As with previous issues in this series, Hickox and his orchestral forces provide exciting and idiomatic performances. The choral work is absolutely ravishing. The vocal soloists are soprano Lorna Anderson, mezzo-soprano Pamela Helen Stephen, tenor Mark Padmore, and Stephen Varcoe handling the baritone duties. This is a great group of vocal soloists. Both female soloists are superb; they are highly expressive and have gorgeous voices that just melt through my body. In duet passages, the female voices sound great. And the men are also very good. All four soloists work together as a true team. Suzuki would be very lucky to have either of these female soloists for his Bach series on BIS, because these two ladies well reveal what's lacking with the female soloists Suzuki has been utilizing. But, I don't think Suzuki has been listening to me. The recorded sound is also excellent, although bass response is a little on the low side. If acquiring this cd, I strongly suggest you boost the bass response - orchestral sounds will then be nice and rich, and the choral passages will have appropriate weight. Just the other day, I read a review of the cd which was also highly complimentary; sound was simply reported as excellent. But, I'm very sure that a bass boost is necessary to maximize listening pleasure. Don's Conclusion - A must-buy for those following this series. Other interested parties can rest assured that they would be acquiring a high quality recording. Even those allergic to HIP performances might like it. Don Satz [log in to unmask]