Editorial Review

It is not possible to fit 36 Bach masterpieces on two CDs, so what Read more

Reviews (6)

so amazing
I love this kind of playing. this is my favorite classical cd.

Essential Bach is OK
This is a good basic primer. A true Bach lover might find a better selection/orchestra.

Excellent collection of mostly recognizeable music
LOVE LOVE LOVE this 2-CD set.I bought I a awhile back and have enjoyed it very much.My toddler likes it too.I think it's a great value for the money and may have to get another copy if this one wears out.
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Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    3. Cantata    4. Cello Solo    5. Chamber    6. Choral    7. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    8. Classical    9. Classical Composers    10. Classical Music    11. Concerto    12. Concerto Grosso    13. Concerto for Two Solo Instruments    14. Concerto for Two String Instruments    15. Keyboard    16. Keyboard Concerto    17. Keyboard Music    18. Lute Solo    19. Mass    20. Music for Organ   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (21)

An excellent introduction to classical music
This is an excellent introduction to classical music.Well performed and presented.

Very Beautiful!!!!!1
If you are a fan of classical music then you better get this set. Not only is it very cheap, 10 Discs for about 2$ per disk. Now where are you gonna find a deal like this. I actually found mine chaper, $20.00 even and the music is outstanding. If you had a very bad day and very stressed out, just put in one of these cds, lay down, dim down the lights and just relax. It really helped me out.

Still Stuck on Beethoven
I just recently started listening to classical music so I'm certainly not one to compare or critique the quality of this set. However, I do have a few comments...
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Subjects:  1. Bagatelle for Keyboard    2. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    3. Box Sets (Audio Only)    4. Cantata    5. Chamber    6. Chamber Music & Recitals    7. Choral    8. Choral Music    9. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    10. Clarinet Concerto    11. Classical    12. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    13. Classical Music    14. Classical Period Serenade/Cassation/Divertimento    15. Classical Period Symphony    16. Classical Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    17. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    18. Collection of Etudes, Studies, or Exercises for Keyboard    19. Collection of Preludes for Keyboard    20. Concerto   

Editorial Review

Except for one "previously unreleased" recording and two new ones, this is a compilation of segments taken from older Yo-Yo Ma CDs, perhaps to whet listeners' appetite to hear the entire records. The disc represents a triumph of performance over material. The program consists of short pieces and single movements of long ones and serves to display Yo-Yo Ma's extraordinary versatility, his spectacular instrumental and musical gifts, and his remarkable ability to invest everything he plays with the same commitment and emotional concentration. There is no logic to the sequence, except that it begins and ends with solo cello. Bach, whom Ma plays tuned normally when unaccompanied and tuned low with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, may justify the CD's title but seems out of place. Moreover, juxtaposing him with O'Connor and Piazzolla is jarring, though the Tangos are beautiful. The transcription of Dvorák's lovely E-minor Slavonic Dance, despite the participation of violinist Itzhak Perlman and his golden tone, sounds like a movie soundtrack: all bravura and cheap effects. The playing's the thing, and it is stunning, not only Yo-Yo Ma's, but that of all his collaborators, from vocalists Bobby McFerrin and Alison Krauss to pianist Emanuel Ax, Ma's duo partner of 25 years. Ax joins Ma for the Finale of Brahms's second cello sonata; that is what you may find yourself humming at the end. Read more

Reviews (14)

New Yo-Yo Fan
I had never listened to Yo-Yo Ma before (that I knew of) and then I was at a dance recital a few months ago.Two little ballerinas danced to "Simple Gifts" with Alison Kraus, and I had to have that song.I really enjoy playing this album when my family is just hanging out reading or playing with the baby in the living room. Each piece is unique and beautiful in its own way.Simple Gifts is still my favorite piece on the album, I only wish it were longer!
Simply wonderful!
I recently got this CD as a birthday gift. I've been wanting this CD for a while.The first track is a wonderful song in all reality the entire CD is a wonderful experience.The prelude by Gershwin is unique sounding with the cello. The jazz quality is still there and has a bit of classical influence intertwined among it. Yo-Yo Ma's recording of Simple Gifts is a good song and when they had the lyrics sung by Alison Krauss it was a wonderful choice.Her vocals matched the cello incredibly well.Track 8 is a wonderful song that I love to hear being played on the cello.For any person who loves classical music or cello music this CD is a good choice to buy.It will be well worth your money.

Awesome
While most people on this site see the "classic" in the title of the album as referring to classical music only, they are mistaken. Classic Yo-Yo refers to his style, not the genre into which his music choices fall.The list of tracks alone should have been a big enough clue that the music isn't all classical.Judging this album, or any album for that matter, on just its title is simply foolish.And while this is technically a solo album, the way Yo-Yo brings in guest artists to perform with him shows his flexibility as an artist.His version of Simple Gifts is so much more than a school chorus; it is an amazing cellist playing the accompaniment on a song that is meant to be sung.
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Music for Voice and Keyboard    2. Cantata    3. Cello Solo    4. Cello with Keyboard    5. Chamber    6. Chamber Music    7. Chamber Music & Recitals    8. Choral    9. Classical    10. Classical Artists    11. Classical Crossover    12. Classical Music    13. Film    14. Film Music    15. Folk Dance for Orchestra    16. Keyboard    17. Miscellaneous    18. Miscellaneous Music    19. Music for String Quartet with Other Instrument(s)    20. Orchestral   

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Vocals    5. Oratorio    6. Passion    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Music   

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (1)

Simply the Best
I can only say, that as far as I am concerned, this is just some of the best music I have ever heard.... Im guessing this is the way Bach intended his music to sound in the first place, and who better for that than the AMO and Koopman...and of course YO YO... if u love classic music, you are absolutly going to LOVE this cd..I highly recommend it ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    2. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    3. Cantata    4. Cello Concerto    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Choral    7. Choral Music    8. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    9. Classical    10. Classical Artists    11. Classical Music    12. Concerto    13. Keyboard    14. Music for Organ    15. Orchestral    16. Passion   

Reviews (7)

The heavens are telling
This is a very great chorus, and one of Haydn's best as far as i am concerned. The pace, grandness and spirit of the piece all conjure in one's imagination the majesty of heaven, and God's throne. I cannot help but be moved to praise the God of the heavens and the earth.
Uncle Abe rattles the house with this thing
I came home from work one day when my uncle was visiting my wife and myself.He was recently retired from the ministry.He had heard a lot of choral music in his life.My aunt said he had the stereo ( power end of my stereo at the time was an Adcomm 555 amp. conservatively rated at 200 watts RMS per channel)up so loud it was rattling the whole house.I too have come to love this music.I mostly listen to rock and roll; butthe way my uncle, and now I, play this thing, it is rock and roll from another era!!!

Sir Robert with ASO and Chorus at their Best!
After Mr Shaw spent many years in NYC and Cleveland with RCA Red Label,he came into Atlanta for a big change! Soon he switched to TELARC DIGITAL! I still Joyfully remember our Recording of the Christmas Nativity in Dec of 1975! Sir Robert, conducting with earphones encasing his head shouted: "Stop the taping, there is some Darn Sizzling noise in those Lights!" We may have not heard the word "Damn" lights, that he employed at times! Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists    4. Classical Music    5. Mass    6. Motet    7. Oratorio    8. Orchestral & Symphonic    9. Passion    10. Requiem/Requiem Section    11. Sacred Music for more than one Soloist & Chorus   

Reviews (1)

Excellent!
We are using this series of CDs in our homeschool music program - they are fantastic! We especially love this one about Bach - what an awesome man! The story of his life is told in a way that is very interesting and holds the children's attention while also using various pieces of his music in the narration.It is done VERY well! My children are gaining a tremendous amount of knowlege and appreciation for music through this CD and so are my husband and I! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Choral    3. Choral Music    4. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    5. Classical    6. Classical Composers    7. Classical Music    8. Concerto    9. Concerto Grosso    10. Concerto for Two String Instruments    11. Invention for Keyboard    12. Keyboard    13. Keyboard Music    14. Magnificat    15. Mass    16. Music for Organ    17. Orchestral & Symphonic    18. Passacaglia/Passacaglia and Fugue for Keyboard    19. Passion    20. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard   

Reviews (3)

Great!
Product was exactly as specified, received fast and in perfect condition.Thank you.

charming
i listen to this compilation of songs all of the time.i love to listen to it while drinking my Earl Grey tea. and eating a piping hot english muffin. pure bliss!

Something for everyone!
This double CD is certainly worth the small price.The choral music runs the gamut from Bach to John Tavener, all represented by well-known choirs and conductors.Although the music is wonderful, the selctions are not in any order, sometimes creating confusion.But give a listen and if you do not get hooked on the greatest choral music ever written, then you need to crawl back in your cave! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthem    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Choral Music    5. Classical    6. Classical Collections-Artist Desc.    7. Classical Music    8. Classical Vocals    9. French Romantic Opera    10. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    11. Italian Romantic Opera    12. Mass    13. Miscellaneous Music    14. Motet    15. Opera    16. Oratorio    17. Passion    18. Psalm Setting    19. Requiem/Requiem Section    20. Romantic Symphony   

Reviews (1)

A wonderful and varied compilation of Sacred Choral Works
This is a 2 CD set and is one of my favorites.While this CD contains several pieces that the general public probably hears often (Handel's Messiah, Bach's Jesu Bleibet mein freund) it also contains some not well known pieces.Of particular quality is the recording of Gregorio Allegri's MISERE MEI DEUS, a piece composed at the end of the Renaissance era.This piece, lasting roughly 13 minutes, is a master stroke of pure choral music.The piece is repetitive but Allegri builds up to a fantastic ending.Also of note is the glorious recording of Mozart's AVE VERUM CORPUS, Hadyn's DIE SCHOPFUNG, and Brahm's EIN DEUTCHES REQUIEM.A MUST for any choral music fan. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthem    2. Cantata    3. Choral    4. Classical    5. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    6. Classical Music    7. Gloria    8. Mass    9. Motet    10. Oratorio    11. Passion    12. Psalm Setting    13. Religious / Contemp. Christian    14. Requiem/Requiem Section    15. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    16. Solo Voice(s) and Small Ensemble    17. Vocal   

Editorial Review

The Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (31)

The True Drama of the St. Matthew Passion
There are gratefully many recordings of Bach's great St. Matthew Passion from which to choose, and the approaches to this long and mighty work of inspiration are varied. While this listener cut his teeth of the old Klemperer recording now re-mastered from the LP days to CD, this recording under the sensitive and commanding control of Philippe Herreweghe has become the recording most favored for return listenings, especially during the Holy Week. Herreweghe obviously knows the work from intense study, a fact that gives him all the stamina to make the overall Passion work both musically and dramatically.
My favorite too!
I own six different St. Matthew Passion recordings, and this is my favorite.Herrweghe gets it right.I am not a stickler for HIP, but prefer it.In my opinion this is the most balanced high quality HIP treatment of the St. Matthew available. Get it!

Excellent work - but problems with sound level
I have no complaints about the performance, with the exception of two points: (1) the bass can at times sound too sharp and loud; (2) there is a bit of showing off, desire to impress the listener. Otherwise the work is awesome, but I am irritated by the recording quality. I thought that I would get used to it, but as I continue to listen to it, it irritates me more and more. The sound level is unequal. It is either too low, or annoyingly too high. I simply cannot just turn on the CD and listen through without adjusting volume levels all the time. Music becomes too quiet, then it bursts into sudden loudness, sharp, unpleasant sounds, which is extremely vexing. This is the main reason for my not listening to this recording more often. To add insult to injury, the bonus CD does not work on my computer, but freezes and muddles up. If I knew about this, I wouldn't have bought these CDs. Fortunately, I have also Herreweghe I, which I prefer to this one. But my all time favourite is - HARNONCOURT.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Classical Vocals    6. Passion   

Editorial Review

In 1994, explains the booklet that accompanies

Reviews (27)

Heartfelt Bach
Beautiful performances, convincing thesis that Bach wrote the Chaconne in tribute to his recently deceased wife. Are there chorales with meaning connecting through text to Bach's music? Listen to this and decide for yourself--have a box of tissues handy. An underground best seller in classical music.

A Very Unique Experience
"Morimur," as you can read (ad nauseum) on the rest of the page, is the product of an astonishing amount of Bach scholarship on the part of Professor Helga Thoene, a noted Bach scholar. It is important to note two things: 1) Thoene's research applies ONLY to the Partita II D Minor, not to the Six Solos from which it comes as a whole, and 2) The CD contains ONLY the Partita and associated chorales, NOT any of the other Six Solos. Morimur is a truly intriguing experience, quite unlike anything else in all of Bach's music. Thoene has reconstructed a number of "chorale fragments" within the monumental "Ciaccona" movement of the Partita, making the claim that the presence of these fragments in the music validates the belief that the Ciaccona was originally meant as a musical epitaph for Bach's first wife, Maria Barbara, who died suddenly and was buried while Bach was away. Thoene provides a number of musical examples from the score to the Ciaccona that demonstrate her theory in action, and these examples are critical for a layperson (such as myself) to come to an understanding of her theory (which can only be proven by studying the WRITTEN music, not listening to the Ciaccona itself). The disc contains the entire D Minor Partita, played wonderfully by Baroque violinist Christoph Poppen, as well as the associated chorales whose fragments appear in the Ciaccona, sung by the Hilliard Ensemble. The disc concludes with a magical second performance of the Ciaccona by Poppen (a completely different performance, not just a simple copy of his earlier, unaccompanied performance on the disc). As he plays this most difficult and monumental of string works, the Hilliards sing the chorale fragments atop his melody, putting Helga Thoene's research into practical use. The effect is dazzling and moving, opening new horizons for this piece that listeners will never forget. The Hilliards balance perfectly with the violin, never overwhelming it, but always making themselves heard. As for Poppen, he is wilfully expressive and brings a unique voice to the Ciaccona and to the Partita D Minor as a whole, and it is a shame that he has not recorded the remainder of the Six Solos. This is certainly a unique disc, one that will challenge the way many people view the Ciaccona and the omnipresence of symbolism in Bach's music.

This recording saved my life
The poetry of Christ lag in Todesbanden speaks for itself. If Bach's transmission through pure music does not reach you through this recording, then you are either tone-deaf or have no soul. I can add nothing of great value to the wonderful comments that have prefaced mine, although I have been meaning to write a review of this for some time. It must suffice to say that as a violinist well-acquainted with the unaccompanied sonatas, this recording came as a veritable revelation- giving me the strength to put my life back together while I studied deeper into all the sonatas and partitas. I had always wondered why it was called a chaccone! Now I know....thank you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Music & Recitals    4. Choral    5. Chorale Setting    6. Classical    7. Classical Composers    8. Classical Music    9. Passion    10. Violin Solo   

Subjects:  1. Adagio for Orchestra    2. Anthem    3. Art Song (General)    4. Ballet    5. Baroque Incidental Music for Orchestra and Voices (or Sem    6. Baroque Motet    7. Baroque Orchestral Music    8. Baroque Period Occasional Music for Orchestra    9. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    10. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    11. Baroque Variations for Keyboard    12. British Baroque Opera    13. Cantata    14. Canzona for Keyboard    15. Cello Concerto    16. Cello Solo    17. Chamber    18. Chamber Music    19. Choral    20. Choral Music   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (1)

Two great American singers who conquered Europe
Now somewhat forgotten except by those with long memories, Evelyn Lear and husband Thomas Stewart achieved greater success in Europe than any other Americans of their generation except Leontyne Price. Stewart was Karajan's Wotan in his recorded Walkure from 1967, and also in Siegfried, while about the same time Lear was Karl bohm's Pamina in Zauberflote. It was unheard of for two Americans to be signed up on the yellow label for DG, but here we have just a sample of their recordings--just in time to commemorate Stewart's recent death at 78.
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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Choral    3. Classical    4. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    5. Classical Vocals    6. French Romantic Opera    7. German/Austrian 20th/21st Century Opera    8. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    9. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    10. Italian Romantic Opera    11. Miscellaneous    12. Miscellaneous Music    13. Music Theater    14. Musical Theater    15. Opera    16. Oratorio    17. Passion    18. Romantic Music for Voice and Keyboard    19. Romantic Opera    20. Russian Romantic Opera   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (3)

Absolutely Bach
Went looking for the Mass only, but got the whole box set at roughly the same price. Sure I'm not complaining.
Wonderful Bach
I must agree with the other reviewer that this is a great collection. However, I like the presence of the boy alto in the Mass. Bach composed most of his religious works for a boys choir but you wouldn't guess it from looking at most recordings. To the best of my knowledge this Mass is the only recording out there that is both OVPP and includes a boy soloist. It works for me.

One-voice-per-part in all its glory
Pick up this set.When I saw the ... price on these gems, I immediately ordered it.Andrew Parrott is a wonderful conductor who subscribes to the theory that Bach intended his choral music to be sung with one voice on a part.Quite a contrast to many recordings out there with 50+ on a part.Along with everyone else, I was a bit leery of this approach but wait until you hear these results!His performance of the mass is absolutely breathtaking!Rifkin recorded the mass OVPP but some of the soloists were a bit weak, especially compared to Parrott's soloists.I picked up this one and the Herreweghe recording of the mass (considered to be the best in many circles) around the same time and I found myself continually coming back to this one.The clarity of the vocal lines is wonderful.Some of the fugal lines get lost in Herreweghe's approach but not in Parrott's recording.You can follow each wonderful line from beginning to end.Parrott's soloists have a very clear, non-"operatic", beautiful sound that tunes so well (rare in OVPP works in my opinion).This is what makes the choral sections work so well--lack of excessive vibrato that makes Bach's musical lines unfold beautifully.The solo sections are just as impressive.The only beef I have with the recording is Parrott's use of a boy alto.An admirable job in most respects but he just can't quite match the maturity of the other voices.Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Classical Vocals    6. Mass    7. Oratorio    8. Passion   

Editorial Review

Building on the enormous success of the first Agnus Dei disc, its successor offers more of the same musical mood, but with a few surprises too. One of the hits of the first album was John Cameron's arrangement of Elgar's Read more

Reviews (5)

Could be better
After owning Agnus Dei I for years, and somehow misplacing the CD, I decided to buy both I and II from Amazon.Of the CD's, I is still my favorite.Agnus Dei II is a decent CD, but it doesn't have the fluidity or the dynamics that the first disk has.I guess I got spoiled with the first disk.

Good choral CD, but . . .
Agnus Dei II is a really good choral CD with a more otherworldly sound than most choral offerings.But the first Agnus Dei is better, amazing really.Own both, but if you only want one, get the first one.

WTH?
I bought this CD because it said Eamon as an artist. WTH? I can't find Eamon anywhere on this CD. It says Eamon on the other one, but I'm not even going to try. Never again will a buy a CD associated with Agnus Dei.
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Subjects:  1. Adagio for Orchestra    2. Anthem    3. Baroque Motet    4. Choral    5. Classical    6. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    7. Classical Music    8. Classical Vocals    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. Modern Mass    12. Motet    13. Orchestral    14. Part Song/Glee/Music for Unaccompanied Voices    15. Passion    16. Requiem/Requiem Section    17. Romantic Motet    18. Sacred Choral Music    19. Sacred Choral Music for Female Voices    20. Solo Voice(s) and Orchestra   

Reviews (2)

Fulfilling Overview of the Baroque Era in Music and Words
Yet another great bargain-priced package from Naxos effectively provides an overview of the rich Baroque period with two discs containing more than 2 � hours of music and a comprehensive, 140-page primer booklet. Compiled by music historian Clive Unger-Hamilton, the collection is well-chosen to represent the many different facets of the era without recycling the more obvious candidates like Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons". The quality of the playing and singing is top-notch throughout, and the program contains quite a smorgasbord of pieces from dramatic opera arias to harpsichord pieces (sometimes played on authentic instruments, other times on modern grands) to full-blown choruses. Standout tracks include Allegri's "Miserere mei" with an ethereal boy treble soloist; two arias sung by soprano Ingrid Kertesi, in particular, Almirena's lament, "Lascia ch'io pianga" from Handel's "Rinaldo"; and a lovely "When I am laid in earth" from Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" performed by soprano Kym Amps. The choral pieces can be astounding from Bach's "St Matthew Passion (BWV 244)" performed by the large Hungarian Festival Chorus and full symphony orchestra to the eight voices that wrap themselves around "For unto us a child is born" from Handel's "Messiah".
An Excellent Introduction to the Music of the Baroque Era
This is one of a series of the'Discover ...' 2 CD sets -- at super-budget price -- from Naxos that makes use of complete movements of music from the era in question. It is accompanied by an excellent booklet - a thick one! - with an explanatory essay that gives background on the music as well as blow-by-blow descriptions of the music being presented. All the selections (from such composers as Monteverdi, Handel, Bach, Scarlatti, Sch�tz, Purcell, Corelli, Pachelbel, Charpentier, et al.) are from Naxos's extensive library of recorded music and as far as I can tell all the performances are top-notch.
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Subjects:  1. Anthem    2. Baroque Motet    3. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    4. Baroque Suite/Partita for Orchestra    5. British Baroque Opera    6. Cantata    7. Chamber    8. Chamber Music    9. Character/Single-Movement/Miscellaneous Work for Keyboard    10. Choral    11. Classical    12. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    13. Coll. of Character/Single-Movement/Misc. Works for Keyb.    14. Concerto    15. Concerto Grosso    16. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    17. Flute Concerto    18. French Baroque Opera    19. Instructional / Educational    20. Italian Baroque Opera   

Reviews (1)

A Written and Sound Portrait of One of Our Most Important Composers
"Contemporary classical music which genuinely touches people is rare, but the rapt, contemplative music of Arvo P�rt communicates readily, and without pandering to the demands of a mass audience." -- Nick Kimberley
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Subjects:  1. 20th/21st Century Symph. with Mult. Solo Voice & Chorus    2. Cello Concerto    3. Cello with Keyboard    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Choral    7. Choral Music    8. Classical    9. Classical Composers    10. Concerto    11. Concerto for Two String Instruments    12. Instructional / Educational    13. Keyboard    14. Keyboard Work with Descriptive or Unclassified Title    15. Magnificat    16. Modern Mass    17. Music For String Orchestra    18. Oboe Solo/Sonata    19. Orchestral    20. Passion   

Editorial Review

John Eliot Gardiner's reading of the Matthew Passion is conceived and executed on the highest level, an example of period practice that is unlikely to be bettered any time soon. The performance as a whole vibrates with life: soloists are first-rate, and wonderfully well chosen for their respective parts, and the work of chorus and orchestra is exemplary. The recording, made in 1988 in the spacious ambience of Snape Maltings (England), is well balanced and exceptionally vivid. Read more

Reviews (31)

actually pretty good
I am not fond of Gardiner in most of his Bach recordings, too rhythmical, fast and played with technical brilliance rather than with heart or spirit.
don't be disappointed
Only when you do not buy this version of the Mattheus Passion will you be disappointed. The very fact that this is the best recording of the Passion I know drove to write a review.
Among the top 4
The Matthauspassion of J.S. Bach is among the world's greatest masterpieces of music, and Gardiner's Monteverdi Choir is one of the most professional choirs singing today, so right there we're starting off with an advantage.
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Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Passion   

Editorial Review

You might expect that Pärt's meditative, detached style--with little distinction between consonance and dissonance, or overt emotion--wouldn't wear well through a 70-minute Passion in Latin without even a break between tracks. (Actually, there's just one.) The roles are distinguished only by scoring: the Evangelist's narration is taken by four singers and a few instruments in various combinations; Pilate is a deliberate tenor; Jesus, a cavernous bass singing very slowly. However, if you listen calmly and attentively, this work will transport you. When Jesus sings (slowly, on a simple five-note scale), "It is finished," and the Evangelist quartet intones on a single note, "And bowing his head he gave up the spirit," it's heartbreaking. The choir's huge crescendo through the final nine-word prayer is stunning. Read more

Reviews (14)

One of my favorite religious pieces ever
One is never sure what to expect when listening to contemporary music. I am into contemporary art music of all types (Ligeti, Nono, Schoenberg, etc.). I saw that P�rt was popular (this cd was displayed in stores that I go to), so I decided to get a hold of this cd. I wasn't sure if it was going to be minimalist, like Reich or Glass, or more avant garde like Nono or Penderecki.
All they say is true
For a more detailed comment for begginers, read my review to the Candomino Choir recording. Simply stunning work. Now I have listened to the three recordings: Candomino (Elatus), Tonus peregrinus (Naxos) and this (ECM). By far, ECM is the best.
Beautiful
This is arguably the best artistic work of St. John's Passion I've ever heard. It's even better if you've just heard Bach's version and then listen to this one. And yes the ending "Amen" is almost worth it alone to buy this recording. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Orchestral & Symphonic    6. Passion   

Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Chamber    3. Choral    4. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    5. Classical    6. Classical Composers    7. Concerto    8. Contrapuntal/Improvisatory Keyboard Music    9. Keyboard    10. Keyboard Concerto    11. Music for Organ    12. Orchestral & Symphonic    13. Passion    14. Violin Solo