Johann Sebastian Bach : Messe en si mineur

   in Choir & Organ (Jan, 2014)
Supported by the Czech Ministry of Culture, Bach’s complete Roman Catholic Mass is sung by 21 excellent singers and a fine instrumental ensem- ble. Allocation of solos and chorus is imaginatively chosen. Kyrie I, for example, begins with five solo voices, followed by the chorus. Tempi are interesting: Kyrie I sounds laboured, the alla breve Kyrie II almost flippant, and the first Credo and the Sanctus positively fast. The Crucifixus is refreshingly strong in character, while the Agnus Dei is beautifully shaped. Balance and blend are excellent – there is no doubt that enormous care has been taken over this recording. …