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Bach's four Missae Breves or 'Lutheran Masses' have sometimes been dismissed by scholars as less worthy than 'warhorses' such as the Christmas Oratorio or the Magnificat. But what a surprise awaits those who dare to listen to these works and discover the treasures buried here! In these glorious works there is truly something for everyone who enjoys the sonic diversity and consummate mastery of style that is everywhere evident in Bach's music. There are spectacular choruses, some of them requiring the most adept and sensitive choral singers. There are instrumental solos of incredible lyricism, graceful accompaniments for a few instruments, and full-blown orchestral movements for large chamber orchestra. All of the instrumental music is woven together with vocal solos of passionate beauty and choruses of great power and majesty. The overall effect is breathtaking and it is no wonder that Bach assembled these works later in his career as a gift to a local monarch.