Haydn’s late masses flash and glitter with some of his most dramatic music. Shame then that the City of London Choir fail to rise the occasion on this recording, particularly the weak and underpowered soprano line. The Mass in Time of War gets off to a disappointing start and never really recovers, despite some fine contributions from soloists Grace Davidson and Anna Harvey (though baritone Ashley Riches sounds distinctly ill at ease). The RPO’s admirably buoyant playing keeps the Nelson Mass afloat but we have to wait until the explosive Sanctus and Benedictus for any real broadside from the choir. Soprano Rachel Nicholls shines throughout.
