Missa Dalmatica (2010)

"The operetta composer Von Suppé was born in Croatia to Belgian parents in 1819, and died in Vienna, scene of his long, successful career, in 1895. He had strong Italian connections and, in his early years, Suppé often traveled to Milan where he became acquainted with the music of Rossini and Verdi, whose influences are heard here. When, as a mature, middle-aged composer, Suppé came across a Kyrie for a Mass in F that he had composed at the age of 14, he tracked down other movements that had remained in Zadar, the capital of Dalmatia, and revised them substantially. It was performed with success, but was then lost. In recent years, it was discovered in archives in Zadar and Vienna, resulting in this recording. Its an attractive, serene piece composed with enough contrapuntal skill, dramatic contrasts, and variety of tempos to avoid monotony. Who would have thought that the composer of the Light Cavalry Overture would have produced this accomplished, sincere sounding sacred work?" (Paul Orgel, Fanfaremag)