Vesperae Solennes De Confessore K.339 / Exsultate Jubilate K.165 / Kyrie K.341 / Ave Verum Corpus K.618

Released in 1971 on the Philips label, this recording features Sir Colin Davis conducting the London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in a selection of Mozart's sacred choral works. The album was part of a mid-career cycle for Davis, who earned a reputation during his time at Philips for his meticulous yet vibrant interpretations of Mozart’s masses and concertos, often favoring clarity of texture and a respectful adherence to the composer's structural integrity.

The record pairs the mature Vesperae solennes de confessore, composed in 1780 during Mozart’s final year in Salzburg, with the youthful, virtuosic Exsultate, jubilate and the late-period, sublime Ave verum corpus. These pieces represent a cross-section of Mozart's religious output, brought together to showcase the depth of his liturgical range. Upon release, the recording was well-regarded for its balanced engineering and the disciplined, nuanced performance of the London Symphony forces, solidifying its place in the extensive Philips classical catalog.