Georges Prêtre - Gounod: Messe Solennelle de Sainte Cécile (1984)

If you enjoy luscious nineteenth-century choral music, this is for you. Gounod provides variety in the sections of the Mass, from the moving buildup in the Credo between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, to the lovely orchestral Invocation that follows, with its long melodic lines supported by enhancing harmonies, to the rousing conclusion of the Domine salvum. For me, the high point of the work is the Sanctus. What a wonderful expression of adoration in music.
The performers are fine, and Barbara Hendricks stands out with her glorious voice. Pretre leads the orchestra with dedication. The choir is superb, thrilling in climaxes and subtle in quiet moments.
46 minutes may be considered short measure, but I still give this CD five stars. It's worth it!