When we think of Schubert's vocal music, his six hundred lieder for a solo voice and piano are naturally what first come to mind. Conversely, his other vocal works are among the last things with which we associate him, despite the fact that this part of his oeuvre is by no means small! It embraces, for example, nineteen operas (including the singspiels) all of which are sadly more or less forgotten today. There are also some thirty sacred works, of which all the six masses are still frequently performed.
The full significance of Schubert's contribution to choral music was not recognized until generations later. The degree of musical excellence he imparted to the choral song in such a short space of time was seldom attained by his successors. Schubert's choral writing is extremely demanding for both performers and listeners.
This recording features wonderful performances by artists such as Krisztina Laki and Andreas Rothkopf.
