Mass of Life / Requiem
This isn't a mass at all, but a setting of lines from Nietzsche'sAlso Sprach Zarathustra, including the famous "midnight song" that Mahler stuck into his Third Symphony. Delius clearly intended this piece to be his magnum opus, and parts of it are mightily impressive indeed, especially the sunrise ending (with pealing bells and gongs). At other times, however, it may seem that the music spends a bit too much time marveling at the coming of the "superman" and not enough time getting on with it. It's a matter of personal taste really, though it's safe to say that if you enjoy Delius, you will want to hear both of these unique works, and this excellent performance won't steer you wrong.--David Hurwitz