Ok, so we've definitely missed some (the Harnoncourt and Leonhardt ones to name but a few), but we've been having a think about the best recordings of Bach's B Minor Mass and here are some of our suggestions:
Click on the image to listen on Spotify...
1. BBC Chorus, New Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto
Klemperer
“The efforts of all concerned, under Klemperer’s inspiring
direction, have provided in this towering masterpiece a spiritual experience
thousands can now enjoy and profit from. It is a glorious achievement.”
Gramophone
2. Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, Sir John
Eliot Gardiner
“Gardiner brings
a concept of the work which not only explores its ineffable mysteries but also
savours the magnificence of its architecture. With members of the chorus
doubling as soloists, and all singing splendidly, this is in every way
enjoyable... A clear first choice among available versions.” Gramophone
3. Rodolfus Choir, Southern Sinfonia, Ralph Allwood (we couldn't resist it)
“The overriding feeling of
this recording is its lively pace and its refusal to hang around...The opening
of the Credo finds the choristers presenting beautifully moulded choral lines
with such an astonishing legato that they positively glide by. Allwood is also
blessed with an outstanding team of soloists...Throughout the Southern Sinfonia
lend distinction to the performance.” International Record Review
4. Chorus & Orchestra of Collegium Vocale Ghent, Philippe
Herreweghe
‘He [Herreweghe] allows the music
to float ethereally with a natural respiratory rhythm, drawing affecting
performances from Barbara Schlick, Howard Crook and Patrick Beuckels (flute)’
Gramophone
5. The Sixteen, The Symphony of Harmony and Invention, Harry
Christophers
‘Christophers has a refreshingly straightforward approach to
proceedings…[and]the more exuberant movements are as thrilling as you will hear
anywhere’ Gramophone
6. Solisten Des Tölzer Knabenchors, Taverner Consort &
Players, Andrew Parrott
‘Fresh in approach and entirely free from that studied reverence
which all too often gathers like moss around sacred works long in a national
repertory’ Gramophone
7. The Bach Ensemble, Joshua Rifkin
‘To Bach, the sound of this performance would have rung far truer
than that of any other performance most of us will have heard…for the clarity
and the sweetness of the sound puts the music in a fresh and on the whole very
convincing light’ Gramophone
Southern Sinfonia perform Bach's B Minor Mass with The Bach Choir on 6th July at Winchester Cathedral to open the Winchester Festival, for more information please see our website.
Either very brave or incredibly foolhardy of you, I subscribe to the idea that you are helping people to at least have an idea of how spoiled for choice we are when it comes to this great work. Klemperer would not be my first choice but it would be wrong to exclude him from the list, I would however at least include The King's Consort as although it is not perfect "His landmark decision to not only replace the soprano and alto women's voices in the choir with a boys' choir, but to also put in a treble (high boy soprano) and boy alto in place of the women soloists, makes for one of the most unique Mass readings in the catalog." I hope you will expand this list and commentary sometime however I have to add your Rodolfus Choir, Southern Sinfonia recording to my wish list as it is the only recording of those you name I do not yet own and I have over 20 on CD already. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGetting on for two years after I first commented above I have begun to realise you were very brave to make a list, now I have 45 recordings and my choices change depending on my mood. However I have now listened to the Southern Sinfonia recording and really enjoyed it. While I live in the Philippines I am pleased to say I have just purchased tickets to listen to you live in Greenwich, it should be one of the high points of my year.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for your list, I still hope that one day you will take the time to expand it. We all have different tastes but the Mass in B Minor is like a diamond that reflects in different ways and I am in your debt for your interpretation.
What do you think of Karl Richter's rendition? I liked it a lot.
ReplyDeleteThis is a piece for which you should splurge to own as many recordings as possible. The music itself sustains a lifetime of repeated listenings, and many of the greatest musicians have contributed in some way to its interpretation. Some personal favorites not mentioned: Celibidache - an interpretation as exciting or boring as whale watching. Suzuki - adds the dimension of common faith, as Suzuki would identify his faith as the same as Bach's.
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