On modern instruments, my favorite Missa Solemnis is the Klemperer on EMI.
It has all the weight one could ask for, and Klemperer was an outstanding
conductor of sacred choral music including the Brahms Requiem. A great 2nd
choice is Karajan on DG Galleria with a cast of soloists to kill for -
Ludwig, Janowitz, Berry, and Wunderlich.
On period instruments, who else but Gardiner gets the nod; his Mass in C
is also excellent. I have yet to get the Herreweghe, but that should be
rectified shortly.
Don Satz
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