Missa pastoralis in G major; Missa solemnis in C major (2001)

"While Johann Baptist Vanhal's eminence among Viennese composers of the classical period has always ensured a steady trickle of recordings of his music, interest has so far focused almost entirely on his symphonies and chamber works. He also produced a substantial number of sacred vocal compositions, however, among them no fewer than 60 Masses, over twice as many as Haydn and Mozart together. The two Masses recorded here (both for the first time, claim Naxos) are only a start at getting to grips with this output, but a welcome one nevertheless. (...) The performances by combined forces from Canada and New Zealand serve this music well. Uwe Grodd chooses his tempos wisely and finds the right mood for each section, be it uplifting or sombre, sunny or dark, to which his choir and period-instrument orchestra respond willingly and competently..".