Choir of St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh - Bruckner Motets (2011)

Compared to his extensive symphonies, which are methodically developed in several long movements, Anton Bruckner's choral chants are examples of brevity, rarely lasting longer than five minutes and rarely going beyond a simple text design with minimal repetition. As sacred works, they are also significantly less dramatic (some might say less bombastic) than his orchestral works, and the dominant mood of calm religious reflections keeps the expression modest and introspective.
This 2011 album, recorded by the choir of St. Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh under the direction of director and organist Duncan Ferguson, combines the most famous motets of Bruckner, and the purity of these works is emphasized by transparent high voices (Treble).
The singers are joined by the wind instruments of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and the somber tones of the trombones add qualities reminiscent of the Renaissance style of Giovanni Gabrieli.
For listeners who do not trust Bruckner's symphonies, this quieter side of the composer's work may seem more attractive, and the exceptional performance will surely appeal to even the most demanding fans of choral art.
The recording of Delphian in the cathedral is magnificent: it conveys all the details of the choral parts, while maintaining the radiant atmosphere of acoustics.