Friedrich Kiel(1821-1885) is a composer I first became acquainted with through his piano quintets on Marco Polo; I recognized a composer of high talent and was looking forward to other Kiel works. Then, MDG released about a year ago a disc of Kiel cello chamber works; that was also excellent. The most recent disc I'm aware of devoted to Kiel consists of his Missa Solemnis and Op. 6 overture. The Missa Solemnis is a major work lasting over 50 minutes. I found the work to be a major discovery of another neglected large-scale romantic period choral piece. It has beauty, power, piety for those who prefer, excellent playing/singing, good variety of tempos and moods, and some contrapuntal writing. Bach need not worry. In the past two years, I've come across some great sacred choral works highlighted by Lickl's Missa Solemnis and Requiem on Koch, Gouvy's Requiem and Stabat Mater on K617, and now the Kiel Missa Solemnis. If you love Mozart/Haydn/Beethoven/ sacred choral works, Lickl/Gouvy/Kiel should be on your antenna. Hold on, I neglected to mention Kiel's Op. 6 overture. It's a fine early Kiel piece that affords pleasure. Unfortunately, it sounds somewhat anticlimatic being placed after the Missa Solemnis. Best to program it up front. Don Satz [log in to unmask]