Carl Orff’s colorful dramatic cantata has become immensely popular, both in the concert hall and on CD. With its large scoring–including celesta, pianos, and a large percussion section–it has become a favorite demonstration piece with many audiophiles. This performance always was one of the better ones, and possibly one of Muti’s best of his entire repertoire, basically a high energy reading that is not without poetry when required. Whether uttering precise pianissimos or proclaiming demanding fortissimos, the chorus is right on the mark for the duration, and the soloists are world class. Check out baritone Jonathan Summer in the lively yet lyrical “Estuans interius” or the late Arleen Auger singing her ethereal “Dulcissime”. Solo singing in cantatas doesn’t get much better than this. The orchestra? It’s the Philharmonia in its prime. The blazing brass fanfares at the beginning of No. 10, “Were diu werlt alle min”, will make you a believer if you haven’t already been hooked by then. EMI has lavished its new ART (Abbey Road Tecnology) processing on this inexpensive Seraphim release, and the results are worth the effort. The balances are excellent, the percussion solid, and the entire ensemble has great presence. At this price you can have this one and one of the reference recordings as well!
