Some listeners may prefer a larger choir or more prominent orchestra in Bach’s grand masterpiece, and for those components there are a number of fine choices (Rilling’s chorus and Herreweghe’s orchestra, to name two); but here we have a relatively lean but no less vibrant, impassioned, or effectual performance from the world-class period forces of Frieder Bernius and his Stuttgart orchestra and choir. Yes, the trumpets are not as scintillating nor the timpani as enlivening, nor is the orchestra in general as present here as in Herreweghe’s superb rendition for Harmonia Mundi, but Bernius and Carus offer a slightly better balance between chorus and orchestra (the choral basses are more easily heard, for instance) and the interior detail overall is more cleanly, clearly defined.
As for soloists, the Stuttgart ensemble is very fine, especially alto/countertenor Daniel Taylor and baritone Raimund Nolte–but no one can beat Andreas Scholl’s definitive Agnus Dei for Herreweghe, although I wouldn’t want to take anything away from Taylor’s different but decidedly powerful, distinctive, and deeply felt interpretation. The amazing presence of Herreweghe’s orchestra and the up-front, room-filling sonority (not to mention the sublime sopranos!) of HM’s production will grab your attention, even though the lower choral voices are often difficult to discern. This Stuttgart performance seems somewhat smaller-sized (even though choir and orchestral forces are roughly the same), and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, because the energy and stylistic imperatives are every bit as evident, the rhythms just as buoyant, the melodic expositions just as prominent and beautifully executed.
I found that turning up the volume slightly past my usual listening level caused the sound to bloom very nicely, even though I wished for just that much more brightness from the trumpets and horns. Nevertheless, this is a recording whose sensible tempos, superb orchestral work, and solid vocal performances will hold up well over time and will reward repeated listening. Highly recommended! [11/27/2006]
