“At a first – unbiased – listen, that is, before the liner notes tell me what to hear, it struck me, how Frank La Rocca has managed to catch and combine elements of traditional religious chant in a homogeneously crafted modernistic frame with such deeply felt emotional grace. Its beauty is impressively powerful. My interest being thoroughly aroused I turned to reading the composer’s note for a better understanding of its musical concept. Listening for a second time, my admiration deepened.… in this Mass of the Americas La Rocca has cleverly added styles and harmonies to arrive at a result that will not fail to surprise and win over even the most critical music lover.… However, a product can be as exceptional as it is, the quality of execution is the key to its ultimate glory. Richard Sparks, soloists, and the Benedict XVI Choir and Orchestra deserve all the credits. There are several highly accomplished religious choirs in the United States and Benedict XVI certainly is one of them. Under the inspirational baton of Richard Sparks the different parts of the Mass come to life with focussed choral singing and compelling solo parts. The orchestral playing, too, is not only most supportive but also lends glowing weight to the overall performance.… Frank La Rocca’s Mass of the Americas is as timeless as it is timely – thus succeeding with flying colours in the commission – and Richard Sparks and Company are its truly authentic interpreters.”