- Get $1 in Amazon MP3 credit with qualifying purchase. Limited to one promotional credit per customer. Here's how (restrictions apply)
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Top-notch Performance,
By 127 (Michigan) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Bach: Magnificat, BWV. 243; Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen (Audio CD)
This CD will not disappoint. Its peformance uses period instruments, although I bought it before I had any idea of what "period instruments" meant. To some people, period instruments are needed for "authenticity," but as far as I'm concerned, the sound and performance are the most important regardless of instruments used. The solo and ensemble work in the Magnificat are all excellent. I prefer the smaller sized choir's sound to a 100 voice Mahler symphony chorus's sound in Bach because the larger groups can overwhelm Bach's counterpoint. I'm also impressed by the trumpet players who brilliantly negotiate their parts on valveless period instruments. I definitely notice a difference in the sound of natural D trumpets to modern piccolo trumpets, and I think that the natural trumpets blend better with the whole group's sound. The performance of Cantata 51 does not disappoint either. The outer movements are beautiful duets between soprano and trumpet, and again I appreciate the natural trumpet's sound here in place of a piccolo trumpet. Recordings with both instruments can be found and having heard both, I prefer this recording. Mr. Steele-Perkins' playing is outstanding, and Ms. Kirkby's singing is also very beautiful. This is a smaller scale work and does not need a large operatic voice, so the lighter sound of Ms. Kirkby's soprano and Mr. Steele-Perkins' natural trumpet are an excellent match. This is an all around excellent CD and after repeated listening it has a permanent place in my top shelf.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magnificent Magnificat!,
By
This review is from: Bach: Magnificat, BWV. 243; Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen (Audio CD)
This is the way a Magnificat should sound! Gardiner's rendition of Bach's Magnificat clearly magnifies the glory of the Lord. It is clear from this recording alone that Bach was indeed a master-craftsman. From the explosive opening through all the carefully considered solos, ensemble and singers blend seamlessly. Thomas' bass aria and Brett's & Rolfe-Johnson's duet are some of the highlights of the non-choral numbers. The voices of Brett (male-alto) and Rolfe-Johnson (tenor) combine very well, perhaps because they are both males? The Monteverdi Choir never fails to sound enthused about what they are singing. The "Fecit potentiam" and "Gloria Patri" are as much pep-rallies as prayers. The disc is topped off nicely by the inclusion of the cantata/motet Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen. Emma Kirby's soprano floats over the many rises and falls of her five movement cantata with grace. Her effortless technique and crystal clear voice are perfect. Gardiner gives her just the right amount of orchestral support - almost throwing her higher during the final soaring "Alleluja". This is a terrific period instrument recording, perfect balance, perfect soloists, GREAT choir!
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is an extraordinary recording,
By
This review is from: Bach: Magnificat, BWV. 243; Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen (Audio CD)
I agree with other customer reviewers that this is an exceptional recording of two beautiful pieces of music. Other recordings of the Magnificat do not compare to this in recording quality, production, or performance. The male soloists in the Magnificat stand out, and Emma Kirkby is incredible in Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen. When I am looking for a CD to buy for a gift, this one is always on the top of my list.
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
|
|
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
Passionate about music?
Learn more at SoundUnwound, the personal music encyclopedia, or challenge your friends with our music quizzes.