Bach: Sacred Works – Karl Richter

To mark the centenary of Karl Richter’s birth on 15 October 2026, this expanded edition is released – an invitation to rediscover one of the seminal Bach interpreters of the 20th century. Organist, harpsichordist, and conductor, Richter shaped his Munich choir and orchestra into an ensemble of unmistakable character. His performances combined structural clarity with an almost physical intensity.

The edition builds on the earlier box set of the major sacred works, expanding it with two Blu-ray Audio discs featuring 75 cantatas, arranged according to the Sundays and feast days of the liturgical year. The Passions, Christmas Oratorio, Magnificat, and Mass in B minor form its core – the very recordings with which Richter set benchmarks.

A special highlight is the bonus CD featuring three Bach motets (BWV 225, 229, and 227) in live radio broadcast recordings from 1967 and 1969, released on physical media for the very first time. These central works had been conspicuously absent from Richter’s DG discography until now. They showcase his Bach interpretation with exceptional immediacy: precise in detail, breathing freely, and driven by a grand musical vision.

Comprising 12 CDs, 4 DVDs, and 3 Blu-ray Audio discs, this edition invites listeners to rediscover Karl Richter’s Bach.