“VIOLIN AND ORGAN: THE MURRAY/LOHUIS DUO.� Robert...

“VIOLIN AND ORGAN: THE MURRAY/LOHUIS DUO.� Robert Murray, violin; Ardyth Lohuis, organ. Raven Recordings OAR-200 (CD). Most of the repertory on this generous disc is deeply serious and conservative--at its best in the neo-Baroque pieces by Josef Rheinberger and Jan Bender--though also included is Vieuxtemps’ virtuosic “Variations Burlesques� on “Yankee Doodle.� The playing is dark and suave and well-recorded--with two different Skinner organs, a generation apart.

“MISSA SALISBURGENSIS.� Escolania de Montserrat, Tolzer Knabenchor, Collegium Aureum, conducted by Ireneu Segarra. Deutsche Harmonia Mundi 77050-2-RC (CD). The severe contrasts between the static majesty of the full passages and the expressive chromaticism of the delicate solos are well captured in this stylish effort, as is the natural reverberation of the Salzburg Kollegienkirche. This Gargantuan polychoral Mass and the associated hymn, “Plaudite Tympana,� are now generally attributed to Biber, whose purpose here often seems to be monumentality for its own overwhelming sake. Crank up the volume and you can reach fanfare heaven, but the ceremonial nature of the music doesn’t hold the ear at lesser levels.