The 36-strong, mixed-voice Chamber Choir of Europe, founded as the "Nordic Chamber Choir" in 1998 under the direction of Nicol Matt, developed very quickly into one of the leading chamber choirs. The Choir changed its name in 2002 to "Chamber Choir of Europe" to reflect its international character, boasting professionally-trained singers from 10-different countries. Mozart's "C Minor Mass, K. 427" is one of the most beautiful and significant pieces in the composer's life, as it was the fulfillment of a promise Mozart made to his father in a 1783 letter to write a Mass if he were permitted to marry Constanze Weber. The mass has 12 beautiful, dramatic movements (all orchestrally accompanied): the turbulent "Kyrie" and wonderful "Gloria," the operatic "Domine," "Qui tollis" and "Quoniam," the magnificent "Jesu Christe," the joyous "Credo," and the dramatic "Sanctus" are some favorites, but keep in mind that Mozart is simply brilliant and the entire Mass takes our breath away. Following that are 11 short Chorales by Johann Sebastian Bach, "Jesu meine Freude," "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme," "Christus, der is mein Leben" and others, all accompanied. Matt's work as conductor, the singing of this exquisite Choir, and these sublime sacred pieces are all perfect!

The year 2006 marked a major musical anniversary with the 250th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The world has enjoyed the genius of Mozart through his symphonies, operas, chamber and piano music. In addition, his Requiem, left incomplete at his death, remains one of the most beloved of sacred choral works. Gloriae Dei Cantores presents a rare look at a side of Mozart that is not so well known: his contribution to music for the Church. Included in this recording are two rarely heard major works of great beauty and invention: Davide Penitente K. 469 and the Litaniae de venerabili altaris Sacramento K. 243. Also included are a further litany, several motets, and two of the famous church sonatas for small orchestra and organ, giving a rounded picture of Mozart, the sacred musician. Mozart: Rare Choral Works will be a profound experience for the classical music lover and for those who are interested in the sacred side of one of the best-loved composers of all time.

Songlist: Veni Sancte Spiritus, Del Pari Infeconda, Terribile d'aspetto, Misericordias Domini, Church Sonata, Kyrie, Panis Vivus, Verbum caro factum, Hostia Sancta, Tremendum, Dulcissimum Convivium, Pignus, Angus Dei, Venite Populi, DISC TWO, Regina coeli, Quia quem meruisti, Ora pro nobis, Alleluia, Kyrie, Sancta Maria, Salus infirmorum, Regina Angelorum, Angus Dei, Church Sonata, Coro: Alzai le flebili voci al Signor, Coro: Cantiam le glorie, Aria: Lungi le cure ingrate, Duetto: Sorgi, o Signore, Aria: A te, fra tanti affanni, and more