A wonderful recording, it just shouldn’t work at his speeds but it does, such was the command Klemperer had on proceedings. Almost enough to make me believe in something!I like the Klemperer. At least a full side slower than everyone else, nothing even remotely close to historical accuracy, but it just works somehow. I’ve got the original Columbia SAX vinyl.
That’s probably at the top of my short-list. It’s had some wonderful reviews, and won the Gramophone Choral Award for 2022.How about this, https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09NQBLZ45/?tag=pinkfishmedia-21 for something different.
Smaller forces and beautifully realised.
That’s probably at the top of my short-list. It’s had some wonderful reviews, and won the Gramophone Choral Award for 2022.
https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/js-bach-st-matthew-passion-pichon
Cheers. I’ve had a Qobuz subscription for several years now, so I am truly spoiled for choice - it’s currently offering me 52 different possibilities, but I think I will go with the Pichon.Thanks for that link, I hadn't read it.
The CD's were a gift a couple of months ago and I have only had the one listen, I'll definitely be listening again this Easter.
I do though also have and like both the Klemperer and the Harnoncourt versions.
McCreesh is the one I keep returning to. I have Richter (early and later), Harnoncourt, Herreweghe, Gardiner. All have good points (eg Fischer Dieskau on the first Richter) but as you say, McCreesh is swift, light and transparent and a joy.I rarely listen to this work and have only heard three versions. The only one I return to is Paul McCreesh's. Swift, light, transparent, yet still dramatic. If OVPP is not your thing, take a pass.
Can I suggest you take a copy of the text (with translation) and follow it? Understanding what is being said intensifies the experience enormously.If you are within striking distance of Birmingham there's always Ex Cathedra at Symphony Hall, 14:00 Friday.
I'll be there to hear the Matthew Passion all the way through for the first time. A bit far from my usual Romantic diet, but I'm rather excited!
How true that is!Can I suggest you take a copy of the text (with translation) and follow it? Understanding what is being said intensifies the experience enormously.
https://gbt.org/music/St_Matthew_text.pdf
Yes, that's the plan... Thanks for the linkCan I suggest you take a copy of the text (with translation) and follow it? Understanding what is being said intensifies the experience enormously.
https://gbt.org/music/St_Matthew_text.pdf
From what I've read, the church in Leipzig of which Bach was Kantor has two galleries opposite each other and Bach filled them, which determines the division of bands/choirs and the maximum number of performers in an authentic recreation of what he heard.I have the McCreesh recording..... but I'm afraid the one-voice-to-a-part thing just doesn't work for me (surely Bach would have had larger choral forces available?)...