Bach: Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme/Magnificat BWV.243

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Compared with today's more scholarly practitioners, Karl Richter reflects the grand manner, though his accounts still convey a sense of spiritual elevation that few interpreters of any school have approached. His tempos are uniformly broader than those of John Eliot Gardiner in Wachet auf, his delivery far more weighty, but there is still a wonderful vitality to the reading. This recording, originally released in 1979, sounds lovely on this budget-priced CD. The companion piece is a vibrant though somewhat grainy 1962 account of the Magnificat. --Ted Libbey

Tracks:

Toccata In D Minor For Organ
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F: I. Allegro
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G: I. Allegro
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D: II. Affetuoso
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: I. Vivace
Concerto For 2 Violins In D Minor: II. Adagio
Violin Concerto No. 1 In A Minor: I. Allegro
Violin Concerto No. 2 In E: I. Allegro
Magnificat In D: Magnificat
Magnificat In D: Deposuit potentes
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I: Prelude 1
Concerto For 3 Harpsichords In C: II. Adagio
Concerto For 2 Harpsichords In C Minor: II. Adagio
Concerto For 4 Harpsichords In A Minor: First Movement
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Toccata, Adagio & Fugue In C: II. Adagio
Partita No. 3 For Solo Violin: Prelude
2-Part Invention: No. 8 In F
Wachet Auf: Sleepers Awake
Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G: III. Presto
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F: III. Allegro assai
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D: III. Allegro
Orchestral Suite No. 2 In B Minor: VII. Badinerie
Mass In B Minor: Gloria
Mass In B Minor: Dona Nobis Pacem

Customer Reviews:

Just what you would expect.......2007-05-19

I was looking for a CD of exclusively Bach music, not necessarily played by a famous artist or orchestra. This had a lot of his well-known pieces and was exactly what I was looking for.

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Like Floating On A Cloud.......2006-09-20

My first real appreciation of this sound was from watching the film "Slaughterhouse Five" in the theater, back in the '70s. That soundtrack was just a taste of what you get with this recording. My family pops this CD in the car stereo on long trips, and glide down the highway to some original smooth grooves. Helps the miles pass swiftly. Music for the soul.

Bach.......2006-08-27

Surely you don't need me to review the guy. You know who he is, you've heard his music, and I hope you own some. So let me turn the podium over to a cat named Picasso, and you can read into that whatever you wish. She's in a chair, near the CD player. She has entered the room specifically for the music. Her eyes are squinted, almost but not quite shut, little face concentrating on just how contented those sounds make her feel. Nobody can say why they move her so, any more than we can say why they move us so. If we knew the answer to that one, we'd copy the guy. But anyway, she loves the music, and don't you dare make a sound such as squeaking your computer chair. If you do, her golden orbs will open, fix upon your face, and shame you. Yes they will. But if you are quiet long enough, you can watch a little calico sleep, with the very same sweet kitten face that drew you to her five years ago. Bach is gooooood.

Good CD, especially for novices.......2005-10-12

I was looking for a recommended Bach CD - certain music by a certain orchestra - and stumbled on this. It is an excellent choice for a new library. I think when there was more than one movement to a piece, it would have made more sense to go ahead and keep the movements together instead of separating them, but a novice listener would not notice. A great way to become exposed to a great composer.

Average customer rating:

Excellent!

The Story of Bach

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000001KCL
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 In G Major, S. 1049 (Allegro)
Gabrieli: In Decachordo Psalterio
Chorale Prelude: Wachet Auf (Sleepers, Awake), S. 645
Violin Concerto No. 2 In E Major, S. 1042 (Allegro)
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, S. 565
Mass In B Minor, S. 232 (Et Resurrexit) (And He Has Risen)
Two-Part Invention No. 14 In B Flat Major, S. 785
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 In D Major, S. 1050 (Allegro)
Cantata No. 57, S. 57 (1740): Selig Ist Der Mann (Blessed Is The Man)
Italian Concerto In F Major, S. 971 (Allegro)
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 In F Major, S. 1047 (Allegro Assai)
Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1, S. 846 (Prelude No. 1 In C Major)
St. Matthew Passion, S. 244 (Chorale)
Concerto For Two Violins In D Minor, S. 1043 (Allegro)
Passacaglia And Fugue In C Minor, S. 582
St. Matthew Passion, S. 244 (Chorale)
Cantata No. 211 (1732) 'Coffee Cantata' S. 211 (Baritone Solo)
St. John Passion, S. 245 (I Follow Thee Also, My Saviour, With Gladness)
Magnificat In D Major, S. 243 (Chorus)
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 In G Major, S. 1048, (Allegro - Complete)
Vivace; Largo Ma Non Tanto: Allegro - Dieter Vorholz
Allegro - Dieter Vorholz
Adagio; Allegro Assai - Dieter Vorholz

Customer Reviews:

Excellent!.......2006-07-01

We are using this series of CDs in our homeschool music program - they are fantastic! We especially love this one about Bach - what an awesome man! The story of his life is told in a way that is very interesting and holds the children's attention while also using various pieces of his music in the narration. It is done VERY well! My children are gaining a tremendous amount of knowlege and appreciation for music through this CD and so are my husband and I!

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Average customer rating:

Bach and Handel Treats
Fine recording, but doesn't work for me.
rock on!!!!!
This song is the best I have ever heard. It rocks!!!!!

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring / Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Johann Sebastian Bach , George Frideric Handel , Dr. Jerold D. Ottley , Eugene Ormandy , Richard P. Condie , Columbia Symphony Orchestra , Philadelphia Orchestra , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , and Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Manufacturer: Sony
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ASIN: B0000027YR
Release Date: 1992-07-14

Tracks:

Cantata No. 80: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Cantata No. 140: Zion Hears The Watchmen's Voices
Magnificant In D Major, BWV 243: My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord
Cantata No.147: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Cantata No. 4: Now Keep We All This Holy Feast
Cantata No. 208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: Et Resurrexit
Cantata No. 79: Now Thank We All Our God
Cantata No. 140: Sleepers Awake
Samson: Awake The Trumpet's Lofty Sound
Samson: Let Their Celestial Concerts All Unite
Judas Maccabaeus: See, The Conqu'ring Hero Comes!
Judas Maccabaeus: Sing Unto God
Judas Maccabaeus: Hallelujah, Amen
Saul: Welcome, Welcome Mighty King
Saul: David, His Ten Thousands Slew
Israel In Egypt: But As For His People
Israel In Egypt: Sing Ye To The Lord
Coronation Anthem: Zadok The Priest
Messiah: Hallelujah

Customer Reviews:

Bach and Handel Treats.......2000-08-04

The unfortunate thingÑif anything can be said to the contrary about this collectionÑis that is an older recording. As far as authenticity, what was available in the days of Bach and Handel to perform their music, and what they may have had in mind as the formidable way of presenting it to the publicÑas well as to the heavensÑmay be quite different things. Viewed in this way, authenticity may be an abstraction we are not here priviledged to comment on.

I have marveled for years, even when these were two separate LP's, of the power and dimensionality conveyed by the way these works are performed. I still switch from one to another piece as which is my favorite. In this respect, the experience is a hermenutic delight. Any lover or respecter of Bach or Handel would not go wrong by including this collection in their musical library.

When I use the word "treats" in the title, I mean just that: it is a collection of works that one would be hard pressed to find performed together on any available recording. And so I use the metaphor "treat," as if I were given a morsel and then devoured it; and another, and devoured that one, each with a fullness of pleasure and delight, and with soul filling satisfaction.

These indivdual recordings are for the most part masterpieces in and of themselves, and to be able to listen to them as they are performed flawlessly, and in a manner that invites the Spirit of GodÑby saying they are a "treat"Ñis to merely to treat them minimally.

Fine recording, but doesn't work for me........1999-05-07

I love several of J.S. Bach's cantatas, and enjoy hearing them in a variety of ways--period performances, orchestral arrangements, etc. Therefore I'm not one to insist on authenticity. Nevertheless, the chorus here sounds too big for the Bach. Also, the program needs more variety for straight through listening. Chorus after (massive) chorus doesn't work for me.

rock on!!!!!.......1999-02-09

Jesu joy of man's desiring, holy wisdom love most bright

This song is the best I have ever heard. It rocks!!!!!.......1999-02-09

Jesu joy of man's desiring, holy wisdom love most bright

Average customer rating:

Teeming with classics
Excellent Introductory CD!
Good Introduction to Bach.
Bach For Dummies?
A super introduction to Bach

Bach: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002A1B
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

Cantata No.147, Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
The Anna Magdalena Notebook, Ang. 114: Minuet
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565: Toccata
Toccata And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 565: Fugue
Orchestra Suite In D Major, BWV 1068: Air
Orchestral Suite In B Imonr BWV 1067: Badinerie
Cantata No.208: Sheep May Safely Graze
Invention No. 1 In C Major, BWV 772
Magnigicat In D Major, BWV 243: Magnificat
Sleepers, Awake (Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme)
Invention No.4 In D Minor, BWV 775
Invention No.8 In F Major, BWV 779
Concerto For Two Violins, Strings And Basso Continuo In D Minor, BWV 1043: I. Allegro
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, BWV 846: Prelude In C Major
'Brandenburg' Concerto No.2 IN F Major, BWV 1047: III. Allegro assai
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, BWV 302
'Brandenburg' Concerto No.3 In G Major, BWV 1048: II. Allegro
Fugue In G Minor, BWV 578, 'Little'
Suite For Lute In E Major, BWV 1006a: Gavotte en Rondeau
Concerto For Harpsichord, Strings And Basso Continuo No.5 In F Minor, BWV 1056: II. Largo
'In dulci jubilo,' BWV 751
'Bist du bei mir' (If Thou Be Near): Aria
Italian Concerto In F Major, BWV 971: III. Presto
Sinfonia
'Goldberg' Variations, BWV 988: Aria da capo

Customer Reviews:

Teeming with classics.......2007-03-01

I purchased this for track #10, which I'd happened to hear on the radio...it stayed in my head until I tracked down the CD. I have a relatively basic working knowledge of classical music, so this long playing collection was an excellent and surprising introduction to several of Bach's diverse works...both well known and more obscure. Certainly a worthwhile addition to your classical collection.

Excellent Introductory CD!.......2006-06-29

This CD is an excellent introduction to the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. It's certainly not exhaustive, but it's a start. It also includes pieces from Johann Michael Bach, as well as another composer (whose name escapes me at the moment) whose work was once mistakenly attributed to JSB. This entire series of CDs is perfect for those who wish to learn more about the Classical Masters. Start with this series, and then by all means, delve deeper into their respective repetoires. You won't be disappointed.

Good Introduction to Bach........2006-02-27

I don't want to repeat what has been said already but this is a great indroduction to Bach. The variety on this release is good, but like has been said numerous times before, the amount of variety fails to set a single mood. But with a low price and a great deal of variety this is a great CD for those who want to start getting into Bach. Recommended.

Bach For Dummies?.......2002-07-18

A smattering of short excerpts -- many not on their native instruments -- to introduce the great literature left to us by J.S. Bach. Some of the versions are truly inspired, a few are not.

If you like what you hear here, by all means seek out the full-length, original instrument versions!

A super introduction to Bach.......2002-03-04

For someone who knows little about Bach and wants to learn something, you couldn't do better than to give them this CD. Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra give their signature warm, plush sound to the work of the great Johann Sebastian Bach, making him sound very nearly like a Romantic rather than a baroque or classical composer. This is not a bad thing--some complain that Bach, with his mathematical leanings, leaves them cold. That isn't possible with the inviting material on this CD.

Average customer rating:

Beautiful collection

#1 Bach Album

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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#1 Beethoven Album
No. 1 Mozart Album

ASIN: B00007MB3R
Release Date: 2003-01-14

Tracks:

Allegro Assai - Maurice Andre
Aria - Christophe Rousset
Echo - Rafael Puyana
Praeludium - Andras Schiff
Preludio - Henryk Szeryng
Air - Thurston Dart
Allegro - Musica Antiqua Koln
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Peter White
Toccata And Fugue - Wolfgang Rubsam
Prelude - Helmut Wacha
Fugue In G Minor 'The Little' - Helmut Wacha
1. (Allegro) - Alfred Brendel
2. Andante - Alfred Brendel
3. Presto - Alfred Brendel
Allegro - The English Concert
Allegro - Philip Ledger

Tracks:

Prelude - Mischa Maisky
Badinerie - The Academy Of Ancient Music
Bourree - Narciso Yepes
Sheep May Safely Graze - The Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra
Invention No. 4 In D Minor - Andras Schiff
Prelude - Rosalyn Tureck
Fugue - Rosalyn Tureck
Chromatcal Fantasy And Fugue In D Minor, BWV 903 - Trevor Pinnock
Bist Du Bei Mir - Kiri Te Kanawa
Jesu, Priceless Treasure - Simon Preston
Fugue - Carlo Curley
Komm, Susser Tod, BWV 478 - Ton Koopman
Sinfonia - Heinz Holliger
Andante - Arthur Grumiaux
Largo - Trevor Pinnock
Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme - Munchener Bach-Chor
Gigue - Janos Starker
Fuga Ricercata A 6 - Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam
Magnificant Anima Mea - Monteverdi Choir

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful collection.......2006-02-02

The album earns its title in many ways. Not only are the selections excellent, but the compilers of this collection chose performances from the late 1950's all the way to the late 90's. Well chosen.

Bach - Magnificat / Gritton · Chance · Bostridge · George · AAM · The Choir of Kings College Cambridge · Cleobury

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan
A Generous Homage to the Choral Works of Bach
Amazing recording, worth every dollar you'll spend
Excellent performance of excellent repetoire
Bach on the Cam

Bach - Magnificat / Gritton · Chance · Bostridge · George · AAM · The Choir of Kings College Cambridge · Cleobury
Johann Sebastian Bach , Stephen Cleobury , Ian Bostridge , Michael Chance , The Academy of Ancient Music , The Choir of Kings College Cambridge , Susan Gritton , and Michael George
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

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Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Allegri: Miserere; Palestrina / Willcocks, Kings College Choir
The Psalms of David from Kings Choir of Kings College, Cambridge, Vol. 1
O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Carols at King's College, Cambridge
Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw
The Last King of Scotland (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B00004RITR
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

1. Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme
2. Er Kommt, Er Kommt
3. Wenn Kommst Du, Mein Heil?
4. Zion Hort Die Wachter Singen
5. So Geh Herein Zu Mir
6. Mein Freund Ist Mein!
7. Gloria Sei Dir Gesungen
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu BWV650 - Stephen Cleobury
Ertot Uns Durch Dein' Gute BWV22.v
1. Magnificat
2. Et Exsultavit
3. Quia Respexit
4. Omnes Generationes
5. Quia Fecit Mihi Magna
6. Et Misericordia
7. Fecit Potentiam
8. Deposuit Potentes
9. Esurientes Implevit Bonis
10. Suscepit Israel
11. Sicut Locutus Est
12. Gloria Patri
Air From Suite No.3 In D BWV1068
Lobet Den Herrn, Alle Heiden
Denn Seine Gnade
Alleluja!
O Jesulein Suss BWV493
In Dulci Jubilo BWV729 - Stephen Cleobury

Tracks:

Kyrie
Christe
Kyrie
2. Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Et In Terra Pax
3. Domine Deus
4. Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
5. Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
6. Cum Sancto Spiritu
Sanctus in C BWV237
Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude BWV147.x
1. Sinfonia
2. Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen
3. Wir Mussen Durch Viel Trubsal
4. Kreuz Und Krone Sind Verbunden
5. Ich Folge Christo Nach
6. Sei Getreu, Alle Pein
7. Was Gott Tut, Das Ist Wohlgetan
Der Geist Hilft Unsrer Schwachheit Auf
Der Aber Die Herzen Forschet
Du Heilige Brunst
Liebster Jesu, Wir Sind Hier BWV373
Prelude - Stephen Cleobury
Fugue - Stephen Cleobury
Nun Danket Alle Gott BWV386

Amazon.com

With various record labels compiling complete works to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the death of Bach, EMI's more accessible approach is this luxurious anthology of the Baroque master's sacred music. Over two and a half hours, this program encompasses the grand scale of the Magnificat in D (BWV 243) and Missa Brevis in A (BWV 234). Between these are scared cantatas, the very popular choral Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme (BWV 140) contrasting with sensitive solo vocal writing in Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen (BWV 12); motets; arias; and an organ prelude and fugue. It's a well-balanced program, covering every aspect of Bach's church music except the Passions.

The interesting booklet recounts King's College Choir's long involvement with the music of Bach, while the Academy of Ancient Music are thoroughly versed in this repertoire. The two ensembles produce a glorious sound. The soloists are of the very highest caliber, with Ian Bostridge, Michael Chance, Michael George, Susan Gritton, and Lisa Milne bringing great humanity to this incomparable music. Magnificat's uncompromising quality will satisfy the serious collector while providing a thoroughly rewarding introduction to Bach's great sacred music for a wider audience. --Gary S. Dalkin

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-01-27

To title these CD's simply as 'Magnificat' is inadequate, to say the least. For it contains over 152 minutes of music and covers a wide range of Bach's liturgical music. On these two CDs Stephen Cleobury has assembled a performing group that includes five top-drawer vocal soloists,one of the world's finest choirs,and a world-renown chamber ensemble performing the works of one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time. And the final result is an absolutely superb recording. What makes this disc stand out is HOW it brings together the ethereal sound of the excellent King's College Choir of men and boys and the period instruments of the Academy of Ancient Music. Their 150 minutes of music, spanning major portions of Bach's musical career and offering outstanding examples of his first compositions, is about as close to artistic perfection as one gets. The 2 CD program of Bach cantatas, cantata excerpts, motets, chorales, and organ works has been wisely chosen to showcase the strengths of Choir, Sololists and instrumentalists. The album is accompanied by insightful program notes and text translations to assist the listener.

CD1 opens with Cantata BWV140 "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme";then follows and arrangement for organ from an aria in Cantata 137 "Kommst du nun, Jesu"; a chorale from Cantata 22 "Ertot uns durch dein' Gute"; then the well-known and loved "Magnificat in D" with its lovely 'Et Misericordia' sung with exquisite sensitivity by the countertenor(Michael Chance & tenor (Ian Bostridge); "Air from Suite #3 in D" organ; 4 part motet "Lobet den Herrn, ale Heiden"; chorale "O Jesulein suis"; and closes with the well-known "In dulci jubilo".
CD 2 opens with "Missa brevis in A" BWV234; "Sanctus in C237; the well known "Jesus bleibet meine Freude" BWV147; "Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen,Zagen" BWV12 a complete cantata; "Der Geist hilft unsrer Schwacheit auf" BWV226 cantata; "Liebster Jesu,wir sind hier"BWV373 a chorale; an organ work "Prelude and Fugue in G" well-knownBWV541; closing with the much loved chorale "Nun Danket alle Gott" BWV386.
The five vocal soloists are outstanding, particularly in the large works, such as the 'Magnificat' and the Missa Brevis in A. KIngs' College Choir and the Academy of Ancient Music are perfectly balanced, blended and polished. These discs are of the highest standard and display the full range of Bach's genius.

A Generous Homage to the Choral Works of Bach.......2005-10-11

Stephen Cleobury at the helm of the Choir of Kings College Cambridge and the Academy of Ancient Music (UK) can always be depended upon to produce intelligent, sonorous recordings of ecclesiastic music in the ambience of Kings College Chapel. While some purists may not agree with his approach to the Bach masterworks, there can be no doubt that this collection of Bach's works for chorus and soloists is as generous, well balance, beautifully recorded as any on the market.

Cleobury includes not only the 'Magnificat' of the title but also four cantatas, the a cappela motets, works for organ, the 'Lutheran' Mass, and the Sanctus in C major - among others! He has carefully selected some of the finest voices as soloists - Rachel Beckett, Ian Bostridge, Michael Chance, Michael George, Susan Gritton, Micaela Comberti, and David Blackadder - for this repertoire. The sound is pure and highly enhanced by the ambience of the chapel.

For those who never tire of Bach's creative output, this recording is a must. Each of the works is given loving detail and each lingers in memory long after the reverberations of the hall wisp them away. Grady Harp, October 05

Amazing recording, worth every dollar you'll spend.......2005-05-15

Beautiful. An absolutely perfect recording. I really don't have anything bad to say about it. All solos are wonderfully expressive, the choir and soloists are at their very best. My favorite parts of this were Quia Repexit and Omnes Generationes; very, very well done. The small size of the ensemble allows you to hear Bach's brilliant work as it should be heard.

Excellent performance of excellent repetoire.......2000-08-22

This album is comprised of not only some of Bach's greatest works (Magnificat in D, Cantata 140--Wachet auf..., Missa brevis), but also performed by King's College Choir and... drumroll please... my favorite tenor in existence, Ian Bostridge. Listening to him sing some of the tenor solos is truly awe-inspiring. There are also some great orchestral/organ tracks on here--great for Bach enthusiasts and novices alike. While the choir may not seem entirely baroque in style (recording in King's Chapel, one of the great accoustic halls), it's the best I've heard, even topping John Eliot Gardiner (the baroque specialist). Kudos goes to Steve Cleobury for an amazing double CD.

People, you won't regret buying this one. Not if you can appreciate Bach or Ian Bostridge. The two combined, ah... it is a glorious combination!

Bach on the Cam.......2000-07-04

Falling in 2000, the 250th anniversary of J.S. Bach's death has given the Choir of King's College the opportunity to show how his music has come to figure increasingly in their liturgical and concert offerings. In terms of the works selected, they really have pulled out all the stops: as well as the eponymous "Magnificat," the programme includes motets, chorale arrangements, other cantatas including "Weinen, Klagen" and the ever-popular "Wachet auf!," Masses (including the rarely-performed Missa Brevis in A minor), and works for organ and orchestra. All in all, we get quite an assortment, blessed with some of the great names in early music and enhanced by the famous King's Chapel acoustics.

I must admit that I have mixed feelings about this recording. As a double CD, it represents good value for money, and there is versatility aplenty in the recording: the choir gets some moments all to itself (as in "O Jesulein suss"), the organ solos are shared by organ scholar Benjamin Bayl and by Stephen Cleobury himself (one of his numbers is the arrangement of "In dulci jubilo," always heard at the end of the annual Nine Lessons and Carols Service) and perhaps the best touch of all is the use of the Academy of Ancient Music as the orchestral accompaniment, with its now legendary Baroque sound-world. Nonetheless, certain things do chafe about the recording: the soloists are good but of course the choir (itself containing some singers with excellent solo potential) has to sit and twiddle its thumbs through many of the tracks. And, whilst the AAM's presence is worthy, I feel that they went a bit over the top in including the "Air" from the third orchestral suite; yes, it is well-known, and yes, the orchestra does it justice, but did we really need it on a programme of sacred music from King's College? A further minor point is that whilst their German pronunciation is immaculate (as was their Russian when they recorded Rachmaninov's "Vespers" three years ago), I cannot help discerning the characteristically English tones of boy trebles and wondering if this tradition is too 'English' for its own good...

Tracks:

Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme - Cantata BWV 140: 1. Chor: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme - Cantata BWV 140: 2. Rezitativ (Tenor)- Er kommt, er kommt, der Brautigam kommt
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme - Cantata BWV 140: 3. Duett (Sopran, Bass): Wann kommst du, mein Heil - Ich komme, dein Teil
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme - Cantata BWV 140: 4. Choral (Tenor): Zion hoert die Waechter singen
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme - Cantata BWV 140: 5. Rezitativ (Bass): So geh herein zu mir
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme - Cantata BWV 140: 6. Duett (Sopran, Bass): Mein Freund ist mein - Und ich bin dein
Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme - Cantata BWV 140: 7. Choral: Gloria sei dir gesungen
Magnificat - BWV 243: 1. Chor: Magnificat
Magnificat - BWV 243: 2. Arie (Alt): Et exsultavit spiritus meus
Magnificat - BWV 243: 3. Arie (Sopran): Quia respexit humilitatem - 4. Chor: Omnes generationes
Magnificat - BWV 243: 5. Arie (Bass): Quia fecit mihi magna
Magnificat - BWV 243: 6. Duett (Alt, Tenor): Et misericordia
Magnificat - BWV 243: 7. Chor: Fecit potentiam
Magnificat - BWV 243: 8. Arie (Tenor): Deposuit potentes
Magnificat - BWV 243: 9. Arie (Alt): Esurientes implevit bonis
Magnificat - BWV 243: 10. Chor (Sopran I-II, Alt): Suscepit Israel
Magnificat - BWV 243: 11. Chor: Sicut locutus est
Magnificat - BWV 243: 12. Chor: Gloria Patri

Amazon.com

Compared with today's more scholarly practitioners, Karl Richter reflects the grand manner, though his accounts still convey a sense of spiritual elevation that few interpreters of any school have approached. His tempos are uniformly broader than those of John Eliot Gardiner in Wachet auf, his delivery far more weighty, but there is still a wonderful vitality to the reading. This recording, originally released in 1979, sounds lovely on this budget-priced CD. The companion piece is a vibrant though somewhat grainy 1962 account of the Magnificat. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Different take on a great piece.......2007-01-18

I simply enjoy this recording for how it sounds - i wouldn't call it "better" than a "period" recording, just different. Some of the soloists may be a little over the top in parts that probably aren't meant to be so. If you simply listen to the sample of the first track, you should be able to tell whether or not this recording would interest you.

Too reverent?.......2005-06-09

on "Wachet Auf"

Considering how deeply religious Bach was, it would be difficult for me to say that any interpretation of a Bach piece was "too reverent." After all, this cantata is just one of hundreds--perhaps thousands of such pieces (over 200 survive, and often Bach didn't actually take the time to transcribe his pieces)--all of which were an extension of his devout Lutheran beliefs.

In any case, I have heard a few recordings of this piece. The tempos in this particular recording are more exaggerated than I've heard on others--slower than what I'm used to when it calls for a slower tempo, and faster than what I'm used to when it calls for a quicker tempo (and it's the slower tempos that are much more noticeable). But, that doesn't make it a bad recording. It's just not what I'm used to.

As for period instruments--I'm no purist. And as one fellow reviewer suggests, neither is this conductor. It's not my favorite rendition of this piece, but it's not a complete waste. The chorus is sometimes overbearing, but, hey. Guess what. This is a choral piece. It's a cantata. The chorus is supposed to inspire you. You're supposed to hear the words. Wachet Auf is a beautiful work, and I would've preferred more balance between the chorus and orchestra, but that is just a personal preference. This is partly because I enjoy all the orchestra's countermelodies. But apparently, this conductor chose to focus on the chorus--which is fine. I'm sure Bach too would've been pleased by someone who wanted to provide such a thoughtful rendition.

"Magnificat"

I think some of my same criticisms about balance apply to the "Magnificat." As a piece, this piece is performed a little more lively than the recording of "Wachet Auf"--which I liked.

One thing a little odd to me was that I felt that the trumpet and sometimes the chorus were a hair off, especially in the opening piece (1. Chor. Magnificat). Perhaps that is just me. That--pitch--is a rather large pet peeve of mine, so that was distracting. However, many friends of mine are not as easily bothered by things when the pitch differences are minute; so, that may just be my own intolerance.

Sound quality

It's a budget CD, so you can't really expect the best of recordings, audio quality-wise. After all, this recording is over 20 years old and certainly not from a digital master.

Conclusion

In any case, my advice is that you listen to a few recordings of this piece, because this particular recording might not be your cup of tea... as I said, it wasn't my favorite. The sound quality isn't great and there were a few things I didn't find favorable, so I'm giving this recording three stars. But, judging from other people's reviews, it might be your favorite recording ever; and anything that turns people on to Bach and his cantatas, I'm in favor of it.

Bach for elephants.......2004-12-26

First of all, I admire the late Prof. Richter, who was indeed a great Bachian. I have even had the privilege of attending concerts of him conducting his own Munich Bach Choir. However, to me, this is yesterday's Bach - too slow, too ponderous, too overly reverent. The newer performers of this sort of music (notably Gardiner and Suzuki) have shown the way, and they are better in every department. To me, this is useful as a historical record to show how such music was once performed, but not for real musical pleasure.

Excellent.......2003-12-21

Richter's interpretation is always great, correct and historically perfect. What matters is how you play the music, not with what you do it. The interpreter is the most important matter in the music. For example, Ton Koopman playing a great Kroesbergen harpsichord can be disgusting sometimes (though not always), and Karl Richter playing a Neupert pedal-harpsichord can be perfect. There's no argue about that. Besides that, the singers are exceptional - there are no countertenors, that's great. The best recording you will be able to find!

Very Very Good.......2003-04-25

I just can't see how anyone could give this less than five stars. Everyone did such a good job, and the sound quality is excellent for an old recording. Who cares if it wasn't performed in the "authentic" Baroque style?! All I know is that the tempo suits the text for both works. If you like Bach's choral music, you can't go wrong here.

Greatest Hits: Mozart/Bach/Handel/Vivaldi

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Greatest Hits: Mozart/Bach/Handel/Vivaldi

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000029NP
Release Date: 1995-12-05

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The Very Best of Bach

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000B6N640
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

Toccata
Badinerie
Largo Ma Non Tanto
Agnus Dei
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme
Preludio
Erbarme Dich, Mein Gott
Allegro
Prelude And Fugue No.1
Air
Aria
Prelude And Gigue

Tracks:

Aria
Prelude
Gigue
Allegro
Minuet
O Haupt Voll Blut Und Wunden
Largo
Allegro
Schlummert Ein
Allegro
Magnificat In D Major
Allegro Assai
Allegro
Jauchzet, Frohlocket

Bach Spectacular/The Romantic Rachmaninoff

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Bach Spectacular/The Romantic Rachmaninoff

Manufacturer: Dutton Labs UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0006840F2
Release Date: 2005-03-08

Tracks:

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Chorus)
Ave Maria (Chorus)
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: Allegro Assai
St. Matthew Passion: No. 78 'Wir Setzun Uns' (Chorus)
Air from Suite No. 3 in D Major
Sleepers Awake: Cantata No. 140 (Chorus)
Magnificat: No. 12 'Gloria Patri' (Chorus)
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
'The Silver Sleigh Bells' from the Bells, Op. 35
Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 Movement [Excerpt]
Prelude in G Minor, Op. 23, No. 5 [Militaire]
Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 [Theme from Movement III][Excerpt]
Prelude in C Sharp Minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Scherzo from Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27
'The Loud Alarum Bells' from the Bells, Op. 35

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