Customer Reviews

Bach: St. Matthew Passion

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The true test of this recording is comparing the last chorus with other versions by Klemperer, Gardiner, Ritcher, Koopman, et al. Why?
Because Bach was wrenching all the drama he could from that last
expression of the sorrow of life of Jesus. "Wir setzen uns mit Tranen nieder" says it all. And Bernstein's version comes in at the slowest.
Over nine minutes! Koopman at six. And the cold, heartless Gardiner
even faster. Gardiner has no concept of the meaning and glorious
passion in this music. Don't buy his Bach recordings. Listen only to
this last chorus' first phrase and how gut-wrenching it is! Bernstein
understood this great masterpiece, and his version is worth buying
just for this chorus.

The linear notes tell us: "Leonard Bernstien did not record a great deal of baroque music. His career blossumed at precisely the same time big-orchestra performances of Bach and Handel were falling into a curious disrepute." Not so curious if you ask me. Getting the NYPO to play baroque is a bit like getting an elephant to dance en point. I really shouldn't criticize: the fact Bernstein could get the elephant up at all shows his genius. Anyway, I cannot believe the total difference between this recording and the Koopman or the Herrewege is simply that this is in English and the others are in German. Is German a prettier language than English? I think not. Certainly understanding the language is helpful. Maybe the translation is bad. Is it the cutting of the Passion? Bernstein loses the anointing of the feet at Bethany and thereby loses one of my favorite Arias "Bub und Reu." Is that what I find so disappointing? I don't know. All I know is I feel a lightness in other interpretations I miss here. This is purely subjective, I gladly admit. Perhaps had a known this interpretation first and followed it up with the Koopman or the Herrewege I would have an entirely difference assessment.

I've waited 20 years to find this re-release of a 60's recording that I'd worn out 2 sets of LPs playing. In my view this is one of Bernstein's finest- every tempo, every dynamic, every nuance flows from his soul to his baton and to the orchestra, chorus, and soloists. Certainly not for the purists given the cuts and modern orchestral treatment, but for pure listening bliss this is the recording to own. His (all too) brief explanation of this work at the end exposes his emotional involvement with this masterful music and is a delightful bonus that was originally included as a 7" LP in the set. Bravo to Sony for their Bernstein re-release program!

This is one the great choral works of all time and to be able to hear it in English by an ensemble such as this is an experience no one should miss. The explanation by the conductor at the end of the work is enlightening and adds greatly to the enjoyment of this wonderful musical work.

Wow, I picked this up used for six bucks and was not expecting much because I wasn't too exited about the thought of an english translation. I was blown away when I listened to this. Not only is this great emotional music (I didn't think they made baroque music like this!). But I can follow it in english and it makes it incredibly entertaining and simply beautiful. Great music AND it tells a story! Really, give this a try....and keep me updated! (also does anyone think its odd that he has a cigarette in his hand on the cover, you can tell that this was produced a while ago, today thats not politically correct!....just an observation)

Music is a dynamic art and must adapt in many ways with each individual performance. I really don't place much value in the effort to perform a composition only by the "original" or "period" standards. If one lays aside such bias, one may experience the muscial beauty and spiritual blessing of this performance of a sacred classic. I speak German as a second language, but thoroughly enjoyed hearing it in English. After all, one's mother tongue is always a more powerful medium. English draws us closer to the message of Christ's atoning death which Bach sought to share in this masterpiece. This recording is very passionate and moving. Kudos also to the staff at Sony who remastered the originals onto CD. I had no idea that the performance was from the early 60's until I read it. The sound quality is tops.

This is a marvelous performance which breathes life and despair from beginning to end. Bernstein's reading must take its place alongside the Klemperer recording as the most moving performance of the work in the catalog. Although I admire the period performance by Gardiner, this recording is not shackled by an academic straight jacket of politically correct "authentic" instruments. Bernstein once again brought out the best in the musicians under his baton. His brief dissertation on the work is of course compelling, especially his comments on the opening chorus.

First of all, let me say that I have to agree to at least part of what Johnathan Wheeler has to say in his review - there is a lot of good material that Bernstein left out of his recording. That said, I say this is a wonderful recording - the tempi are perfect and despite the use of a modern symphony orchestra, it is NOT an overblown romantic mess. This is a terrific recording. I wish more conductors would perform this supreme masterwork in english. Let's face it, you appreciate it more if you understand what their singing without having to look in the liner booklet! Thank you Sony for rereleasing this on CD!

I bought this version of the St. Matthew Passion because it is sung in English, and there are few recordings of this Passion in English. Initially, I was somewhat disappointed. Being recorded live, the blemishes in ensemble and singing are caught, and it is a shame so many arias are not included (due to the nature of the performance). Nonetheless, upon repeated listenings, I find myself enjoying this St. Matthew more and more. What became clearer to me now is that Bernstein's personal commitment and (forgive me) passion lifts the performance, and while this is by no means a purist's version, it is a long way from the plodding and mannered performances of the old German school. This is a hard performance to recommend without reservation; if you are retentive about period performance practices or unable to live without the missing arias, this is not the CD for you. If, you are a Bernstein fan or just prefer Bach sung in English, this is a good purchase.

Especially for somebody just getting acquainted with Bach's incomparable St.Matthew's Passion, this recording is worth getting if only for the 17-minute discussion of the work by Bernstein. He is, as always, a marvelous teacher. Purists may object to a performance of the work in English; I actually like being able to follow the moving narrative. The Collegiate Chorale sings beautifully; the whole performance is full of passion. You'll eventually want an uncut version in German by one of the other great conductors -- Otto Klemperer, Herman Scherchen -- but this will be good to have in your collection. My "like new" copy was excellent, well-priced, and punctually delivered.