The Detmold Horn Players, led by Michael Höltzel, their legendary founder and director as well as influential teacher, present St. Hubert's Mass, one of the very first recordings by the Detmold-based audiophile label MDG. The outstanding sound, technical craftsmanship and, above all, musical quality of these sensational works for parforce horns, including several historical hunting fanfares from Bohemian, French and Austrian traditions, are something quite extraordinary and vouch for the consistency with which MDG has been inspiring music lovers and sound enthusiasts around the world ever since.

Parforce horns were originally developed for the aristocratic pastime of hunting on horseback. The large, coiled brass tubing allows the player to sling it over their shoulder, freeing their hands for riding. These valveless natural horns produce powerful, noble fanfares and signals, making them ideal for communication across great distances in the landscape.

Highly imaginative polyphonic fanfares often characterised the nobleman they were written for, such as for Franz Joseph I of Austria or Prince Wilhelm of Prussia. The pieces enjoyed such widespread popularity that they were developed for the concert hall, such as Le Rendez-vous de chasse by the great composer Gioachino Rossini.

Medieval bishop St. Hubert inspired the development of ethical hunting principles and is commemorated for his compassion for animals. The Detmold horn players honour the patron saint of hunters with the legendary Le Grande Messe de Saint Hubert which has been celebrated the world over.

"What a stunning experience! The performances are flawless, and the recording paints a vivid and realistic picture of this extraordinary music." – HiFi News