Collegium Vocale Gent - Bach: Matthaus-Passion (St Matthew Passion) BWV 244 /Bostridge * Selig * Rubens * Scholl * Gura * Henschel * Collegium Vocale * Herreweghe (+CD-Rom)
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Free Music Notes for Bach: Matthaus-Passion (St Matthew Passion) BWV 244 /Bostridge * Selig * Rubens * Scholl * Gura * Henschel * Collegium Vocale * Herreweghe (+CD-Rom)
Free Music Review: Absolutely outstanding!
Hit: 5 Stars
Herreweghes recording of the St Matthew passion is without any doubt a miracle! I have had some high expetations of this record, but I never thought it would be this good! The orchestra playing, the instrumental soloists, the singers, the choir etc. It's actually beyond words. It's even better then the Gardiner recording which is superb also. I won't write anything more, just go and listen for yourself and you'll be amazed, I promise!Free Music Review: A sublime recording with a great surprise
Hit: 5 Stars
It's hard to praise any particular aspect of this CD, since everything is so beautiful. This is, in my opinion, Bach's greatest work, one to rival Beethoven's Ninth (different genres and times, I know). The recording is spirited, moving, and sometimes overpowering. I believe that Herreweghe's interpretation truly does the work justice.
I did not expect to receive the CD-ROM with it. Perhaps I read the liner wrong. It is a pleasant surprise. The CD covers the life of Bach, the passion, the structure of the Passion, and the styles of singing within it. In addition, it has the full libretto --there is also a printed one-- and an interpretation of everything Bach was trying to accomplish with this work. As usual with HM works, everything is in English, French and German.
I especially enjoyed the section entitled "The Heart of the Work." It had an excerpt from all of the motets, chorales, interpretations, etc, along with who originally wrote it, the key, and the year written. In true European fashion, it is a keen analysis of the whole of The Passion Accoding to St. Matthew.
My recommendation is to listen to the whole thing once, go over the CD completely, and learn what is going on, then listen again. This was more than just a listening experience for me; it was a learning experience.
If you have any interest in this genre, buy this. Now. Harmonia Mundi is my favorite classical label; this work only confirms that.
Free Music Review: Easily number 1 choice
Hit: 5 Stars
Philippe Herreweghe is Bach's greatest conductor. His deep understanding of his music and his superb musicianship are unrivaled. Both the Chorus and the Orchestra are a wonder, and Andreas Scholl rendition of the alto arias, alone are worth the price. This is a far better recording than Gardiner's on Archiv.