Bach: Sacred Masterworks [Box set]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This is the ultimate Bach choral music collection. All the big works are here: the B-minor Mass; St. Matthew Passion; St. John Passion; Christmas Oratorio; Easter Oratorio; and the Magnificat. Munchinger's performances were those that an entire generation of Bach lovers literally grew up on. Since the advent of the "authentic instrument" movement, it's become fashionable to treat these versions somewhat condescendingly. Listening to them again, however, I was struck by their freshness and energy. More to the point, Munchinger has a lineup of soloists--including Ely Ameling, Hermann Prey, and Peter Pears--that is second to none. A real bargain. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Alleluia, Behold The Bridegroom
Sourp Sourp (Holy Holy)
Lord Have Mercy
The Mercy Of Peace (Excerpts)
Komm Susser Tod (Bach)
Serenade
Grant Us This O Lord
Our Father
Gloria (Excerpt)
Peaceful Light (Kiev Chant)
Praise The Lord O My Soul (Greek Chant)
Blessed Art Thou O Lord (Kiev Chant)
Chorale
Amen Alleluia

Amazon.com

What could be more sublime than a wall of dark, rotund Russian voices shimmering against the rising, ornate walls of a great cathedral? Not much, and this compilation of absolutely magnificent music proves it. The label Hearts of Space returns on this third choral collection to the ominous Slavic chant of their first choral album, Sacred Treasures I, which gathered together recordings of stunning Bulgarian and Russian choirs portraying the sacred works of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and other composers. Whereas Treasures I pulled from varied sections of sacred liturgies, including solo passages, Treasures III most often stays in harmonic chant with select voices occasionally rising and rolling in polyphonic heavenly calls. The collective voice draws the emotive tension taut here, as on Rimsky-Korsakov's "Our Father," which uses the absence of darkness to later juxtapose bold, rising drama. The Kiev chant "Blessed Art Thou O Lord" sends chills down the spine as the whispering consonants of the Russian language skip across the ancient repetition like sand skitters over a stormy beach. This is a collection as breathtakingly beautiful as the Cathedral of the Dormition itself. Not to be missed. --Karen K. Hugg

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely FANTASTIC CD !!.......2007-06-28

I'll keep this short: I'm not new to chant or choral music but there are SO MANY options out here that it's hard to know which ones are worth buying. I've got a few titles in my budding collection but I have to say that this particular recording is FANTASTIC. It is at once awe inspiring, meditative, and peaceful. Simply wonderful...

Sacred and a treasure!.......2007-06-11

Wow! This is as good as the first Sacred Treasures if not better. These holy and divine works are truly "the speech of angels".

Absolutely wonderful.......2006-12-28

I've really become taken with Russian choral music as of late. I've tried to get my hands on every recording I can, and amongst them all this is one of the very best. The phrasing, tonality and selection is terrific.

More Divine Beauty and Peace!.......2006-12-03

I am the producer of this CD and also of the first CD in the Sacred Treasures series called "SACRED TREASURES: Choral Masterworks From Russia" as well as of "SACRED TREASURES IV: Quiet Prayers" and "CELTIC TWILIGHT 7: Sacred Spirit". In each case, my intention was to bring together the very best performances of exceptionally beautiful, slow and peaceful sacred music. Most of the pieces on this compilation (as on the other compilations mentioned above) are filled with lush harmonies sung by large mixed choirs. All the selections are deeply nourishing to the soul.

In many cases, I chose to use excerpts from longer pieces, omitting the exultant huge crescendos and very fast sections that are typical of Russian sacred music, presenting only the slow and quiet verses. Different types of music serve different needs, and in today's stressful and fast-paced world, one of the most important and often neglected needs is for time out from that world--to "lay aside all earthly cares" (as the text to a Russian "Cherubic Hymn" prescribes) and to rest in a magical, quiet space of slow, peaceful, beauty. That peaceful beauty is available to you on all of these compilations, including this one, "SACRED TREASURES III"...

It Doesn't Get any Better!!!.......2006-10-09

Having collected a decent library of sacred music over the years I can readily attest that this is the best sacred music CD that I own, my second favorite being a requiem chant by the monks of Solesmes. Further, upon listening to this CD everyone I know seems to respond to it with the same enthusiasm. Track 10 is my personal favorite, but there are no weak pieces here. The entire production hangs together well. Can't recommend it enough to novice or seasoned liturgical music listener.

Sacred Masterworks: Bach, Pergolesi, Viv

Average customer rating:

Sacred Masterworks: Bach, Pergolesi, Viv
Kirby , Bowman , Watkinson , Elliott , and Hogwood
Manufacturer: Universal/Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B000024A03
Release Date: 2001-11-23

Chorus: Masterworks of choral music (18th-20th centuries)

Average customer rating:

Chorus: Masterworks of choral music (18th-20th centuries)

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

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

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00066K152
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Average customer rating:

Vigorous, Spirited
The epitome of Bach
Karl Munchinger's Bach
Brilliant
Very mixed

Bach: Sacred Masterworks

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

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

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

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000042HW
Release Date: 1998-02-10

Tracks:

Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part One For The First Day Of Christmas: Nr. 1 - Chorus: 'Jauchzet, frohlocket...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part One For The First Day Of Christmas: Nr. 2 Recitative: 'Es begab sich aber...' & Nr. 3 Recitative: 'Nun wird mein liebster Brautigam...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part One For The First Day Of Christmas: No. 4 Aria: 'Bereite dich, Zion...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part One For The First Day Of Christmas: No. 5 Chorale: 'Wie soll ich dich empfangen...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part One For The First Day Of Christmas: Nr. 6 Recitative: 'Und sie gebar ihren ersten Sohn...' & Nr. 7 Chorale And Recitative: 'Er ist auf Erden kommen arm....'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part One For The First Day Of Christmas: Nr. 8 Aria: 'Grosser Herr, o starker Konig...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part One For The First Day Of Christmas: Nr. 9 Chorale: 'Ach mein herzliebes Jesulein...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: No. 10 Sinfonia
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: No. 11 Recitative: 'Und es waren Hirten...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: Nr. 12 Chorale: 'Brich an, o schones Morgenlicht...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: No. 13 Recitative: 'Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: Nr. 14 Recitative: 'Was Gott dem Abraham verheissen...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: No. 15 Aria: 'Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: No. 16 Recitative: 'Und das habt zum Zeichen...' & No. 17 Chorale: 'Schaut hin...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: No. 18 Recitative: 'So geht denn hin...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: No. 19 Aria: 'Schlafe, mein Liebster...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: No. 20 Recitative: 'Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel...' & 'No. 21 Chorus: 'Ehre sei Gott...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Two For The Second Day Of Christmas: No. 22 Recitative: 'So recht, ihr Engel...' & No. 23 Chorale: 'Wir singen dir in deinem Heer...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Three For The Third Day Of Christmas: No. 24 Chorus: 'Herrscher des Himmels,..'
No. 25 Recitative: 'Und da die Engel...' & No. 26 Chorus: 'Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethleham...' & No. 27 Recitative: 'Er hat sein Volk getrost...' & No. 28 Chorale: Dies hat er alles uns getan...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Three For The Third Day Of Christmas: No. 29 Duet: 'Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Three For The Third Day Of Christmas: No. 30 Recitative: 'Und sie Kamen eilend...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Three For The Third Day Of Christmas: No. 31 Aria: 'Schliesse, mein Herze...'

Tracks:

Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Three For The Third Day Of Christmas: Nr. 32 Recitative: 'Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren' & Nr. 33 Chorale: 'Ich will dich mit Fleiss bewahren'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Three For The Third Day Of Christmas: Nr. 34 Recitative: 'Und die Hirten kehrten wieder um,' & Nr. 35 'Seid froh dieweil
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Three For The Third Day Of Christmas: No. 24 da capo
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Four For New Year's Day: Nr. 36 Chorus: 'Fallt mit Danken,'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Four For New Year's Day: No. 37 Recitative: 'Und da acht Tage um waren' & No. 38 Recitative And Arioso Recitative: 'Immanuel, o susses Wort!'
Weihnachts - Oratorium, BWV 248: No. 39 Aria: 'Flosst, mein Heiland,'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Four For New Year's Day: No. 40 Recitative And Arioso: 'Wohlan, dein Name soll allein' & 'Jesu, mine Freud und Wonne,'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Four For New Year's Day: No. 41 Aria: 'Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben,'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Four For New Year's Day: No. 42 Chorale: 'Jesus richte mein Beginnen,'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Five For The First Sunday In The New Year: No. 43 Chorus: 'Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen,'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Five For The First Sunday In The New Year: No. 44 Recitative: 'Da Jesus geboren war zu Bethlehem...' & No. 45 Chorus With Recitative: 'Wo ist der neugeborne Konig der Juden?'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Five For The First Sunday In The New Year: No. 46 Chorale: 'Dein Glanz all Finsternis verzehrt...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Five For The First Sunday In The New Year: No. 47 Aria: 'Erleucht auch meine finstre Sinnen,'
No. 48 Recitative: 'Da das der Konig Herodes horte,' & No. 49 Recitative: 'Warum Wollt ihr erschrecken? & No. 50 Recitative: 'Und liess versammeln alle Hohenpriester...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Five For The First Sunday In The New Year: No. 51 Terzetto: 'Ach, wann wird die Zeit erscheinen?'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Five For The First Sunday In The New Year: No. 52 Recitative: 'Mein Liebster herrschet schon' & No. 53 Chorale: 'Zwar ist solche Herzensstube'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Six For The Feast of Epiphany: No. 54 Chorus: 'Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben,'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Six For The Feast of Epiphany: No. 55 Recitative: 'Da berief Herodes die Weisen heimlich...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Six For The Feast of Epiphany: No. 56 Recitative: 'Du Falscher, suche nur den Herrn zu fallen,' & No. 57 Aria: 'Nur ein Wink von seinen Handen...'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Six For The Feast of Epiphany: No. 58 Recitative: 'Als sie nun den Konig gehoret hatten,'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Six For The Feast of Epiphany: No. 59 Chorale: 'Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier,'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Six For The Feast of Epiphany: No. 60 Recitative: 'Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum,' & No. 61 Recitative: 'So geht!'
Weihnachts-Oratorium, BWV 248 - Part Six For The Feast of Epiphany: No. 62 Aria: 'Nun mogt ihr stolzen Feinde schrecken,'
Weihnachts - Oratorium, BWV 248: No. 63 Recitative: 'Was will der Holle Schrecken nun,' & No. 64 Chorale: 'Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen...'

Tracks:

Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: Nr. 1 Sinfonia
Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: Nr. 2 Adagio
Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: Nr. 3 Duett: 'Kommt, eilet und laufet,'
Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: No. 4 Recitative: 'O kalter Manner Sinn!'
Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: No. 5 Aria: 'Seele, deine Spezereien...'
Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: No. 6 Recitative: 'Hier ist die Gruft,'
Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: No. 7 Aria: 'Sanfte soll mein Todeskummer...'
Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: No. 8 Recitative: 'Indessen seufzen wir mit brennende Begier;'
Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: No. 9 Aria: 'Saget, saget mir geschwinde,'
Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: No. 10 Recitative: 'Wir sind erfreut,'
Oster-Oratorium, BWV 249: No. 11 Chorus: Preis und Dank
Magnificat, BWV 243: I Magnificat
Magnificat, BWV 243: II Et exultavit
Magnificat, BWV 243: III Quia respexit & IV Omnes generationes
Magnificat, BWV 243: IV Quia fecit mihi magna
Magnificat, BWV 243: VI Et misericordia
Magnificat, BWV 243: VII Fecit potentiam
Magnificat, BWV 243: VIII Deposuit potentes
Magnificat, BWV 243: IX Esurientes
Magnificat, BWV 243: X Suscepit Israel
Magnificat, BWV 243: XI Sicut Locutus est
Magnificat, BWV 243: XII Gloria

Tracks:

Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: I Kyrie eleison
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: II Christe eleison
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: III Kyrie eleison
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: IV Gloria in excelsis Deo
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: V Laudamus te
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: VI Gratias agimus tibi
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: VII Domine Deus
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: VIII Qui tollis peccata mundi
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: IX Qui sedes ad dextram Patris
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: X Quoniam tu solus sanctus
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XI Cum Sancto Spiritu

Tracks:

Mass In B Minor, BWV 232 (Continuation): XII Credo in unum Deum
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XIII Patrem omnipotentem
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XIV Et in unum Dominum
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XV Et incarnatus est
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XVI Crucifixus
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XVII Et resurrexit
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XVIII Et in Spiritum Sanctum
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XIX Confiteor
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XX Sanctus
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XXI Osanna
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XXII Benedictus
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XXIII Agnus Dei
Mass In B Minor, BWV 232: XXIV Dona nobis pacem

Tracks:

Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: Nr. 1 Chorus: 'Herr, unser Herrscher,'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: Nr. 2 Recitative: 'Jesus Ging mit seinen Jungern...' & Nr. 3 Chorus: 'Jesum von Nazareth!' & No. 4 'Jesus spricht zu ihnen' & Nr. 5 'Jesum von Nazareth' & Nr. 6 'Jesus antwortete'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: Nr. 7 Chorale: 'O grosse Lieb', o Lieb' ohn' alle Masse,'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: Nr. 8 Recitative: 'Auf dass das wort erfullet wurde,' & No. 9 Chorale: 'Dein Will' gescheh', Herr Gott,' & Nr. 10 Recitative: 'Die Schar aber und der Oberhauptmann..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: No. 11 Aria: ' Von den Stricken meiner Sunden...' & Nr. 12 Recitative: 'Simon Petrus aber folgete Jesu nach...'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: Nr. 13 Aria: 'Ich folge dir gleichfalls...'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: Nr. 14 Recitative: 'Derselbige Junger war dem Hohenpriester bekannt...'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: Nr. 15 Chorale: 'Wer hat dich so geschlagen,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: Nr. 16 Recitative: 'Und Hannas sandte ihn gebunden...' & Nr. 17 Chorus: 'Bist du nicht seiner Junger einer?' & Nr. 18 Recitative: 'Er leugnete Aber und sprach...
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: Nr. 19 Aria: 'Ach, mein Sinn,'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part One: Nr. 20 Chorale: 'Petrus, der nicht denkt zuruck,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 21 Chorale: 'Christus, der uns selig macht,...'
Nr. 22 Recitative: 'Da fuhreten sie Jesum von Kaiphas...' & Nr. 23 Chorus: 'Ware dieser nicht ein Ubeltater,..' & Nr. 24 'Da spracht Pilatus zu ihnen,..' & Nr. 25 Recitative: 'Wir durfen niemand toten' & Nr. 26 'Auf dass erfullet wurd...
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 27 Chorale: ' Ach, grosser Konig, gross zu allen Zeiten,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 28 Recitative: 'Da sprach Pilatus zu ihm:..' & Nr. 29 Chorus: 'Nicht diesen, sondern Barrabam! ' & Nr. 30 Recitative: 'Barrabas aber war ein Morder.'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 31 Arioso: 'Betrachte, meine Seel,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 32 Aria: 'Erwage, wie sein blutgefarbter Rucken...'

Tracks:

Nr. 33 Recitative: 'Und die Kriegsknechte flochten eine Krone...' & Nr. 34 Chorus: 'Sei gegrusset, lieber Judenkonig!' & Nr. 35 Recitative: 'Und gaben ihm Backenstreiche.' & Nr. 36 Chorus: 'Kreuzige, kreuzige!' & Nr. 37 Recitative: '...
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 40 Chorale: 'Durch dein Gefangnis, Gottes Sohn,..'
Nr. 41 Recitative: 'Die Juden aber schrieen und sprachen:..' & Nr. 42 Chorus: 'Lassest du diesen los,..' & Nr. 43 Recitative: 'Da Pilatus das Wort horete,..' & Nr. 44 Chorus: 'Weg, weg mit dem,..' & Nr. 45 Recitative: 'Spricht Pilatus...
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 48 Aria With Chorus: 'Eilt, Ihr angefochtnen Seelen,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 49 Recitative: 'Allda kreuzigten sie Ihn...' & Nr. 50 Chorus: 'Schribe nicht:..' & Nr. 51 Recitative: 'Pilatus antwortete:..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 52 Chorale: 'In meines Herzens Grunde,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 53 Recitative: Die Kriegsknechte aber,..' & Nr. 54 Chorus: 'Lasset uns den nicht zerteilen,..' & Nr. 55 Recitative: 'Auf dass erfullet wurde die Schrift,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: No. 56 Chorale: 'Er nahm alles wohl in acht...'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 57 Recitative: 'Und von Stund' an nahm sie der Junger zu sich.'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 58 Aria: 'Es ist vollbracht!' & Nr. 59 Recitative: 'Und neigte das Haupt und verscheid.'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 60 Aria And Chorale: 'Mein Teurer Heiland,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 61 Recitative: 'Und siehe da, der vorhang im Tempel...' & Nr. 62 Arioso: 'Mein Herz, indem die ganze Welt...'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 63 Aria: 'Zerfliesse, mein Herze,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 64 Recitative: 'Die Juden aber,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 65 Chorale: 'O Hilf, Christe, Gottes Sohn,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 66 Recitative: 'Darnach bat Pilatum Joseph von Arimathia,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 67 Chorus: 'Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine,..'
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245: Part Two: Nr. 68 Chorale: 'Ach Herr, lass dein' lieb' Engelein...'

Tracks:

Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 1 Chorus I And II: 'Kommt, ihr Ter, Helft mir klagen,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 2 Recitative: 'Da Jesus diese Rede vollendet hatte,..' & Nr. 3 Chorale: 'Herzliebster Jesu,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 4 Recitative: 'Da versammelten sich die Hohenpriester...' & Nr. 5 Chorus: 'Ja nicht auf das Fest,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 6 Recitative: 'Da nun Jesus war zu Bethanien,..' & Nr. 7 Chorus: 'Wozu dienet dieser Unrat?'?
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 8 Recitative: 'Da das Jesus merkete,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 9 Recitative: 'Du lieber Heiland du,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 10 Aria: Buss' und Reu' & Nr. 11 Recitative: 'Da ging hin der Zwn einer,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 12 Aria: 'Blute nur, du liebes Herz!'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 13 Recitative: 'Aber am ersten Tage...' & Nr. 14 Chorus: 'Wo willst du,..' & Nr. 15 Recitative: 'Er sprach:..' & Nr. 16 Chorale: 'Ich bin's,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 17 Recitative: 'Er antwortete und sprach:..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 18 Recitative: 'Wiewohl mein Herz in Trn schwimmt
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: No. 19 Aria: 'Ich will dir mein Herze schenken,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 20 Recitative: Und da sie den Lobgesang gesprochen hatten,..' & Nr. 21 Chorale: 'Erkenne mich, mein H.'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 22 Recitative: 'Petrus aber antwortete...' & Nr. 23 Chorale: 'Ich will hier bei dir stehen,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 24 Recitative: 'Da kam Jesus mt ihnen...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 25 Recitative And Chorale: 'O Schmerz!'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 26 Aria And Chorus: 'Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen.' & Nr. 27 Recitative: Und ging hin ein wenig,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 28 Recitative: 'Der Heiland fallt vor seinem Vater nieder, '
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 29 Aria: 'Gerne will ich mich bequemen,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: No. 30 Recitative: 'Und er kam zu seinen Jungern...'

Tracks:

Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 32 Recitative: 'Und er kam und fand sie aber schlafend...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 33 Duett And Chorus: 'So ist mein Jesus nun gefangen.'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 34 Recitative: 'Und siehe, einer aus denen, die mit Jesu waren,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: Nr. 35 Chorale: O Mensch, bewein dein' sross,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 36 Aria And Chorus: 'Ach, nun ist mein Jesus hin!'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 37 Recitative: 'Die aber Jesum gegriffen hatten,' & Nr. 38 Chorale: 'Mir hat die Welt tr gericht't...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 39 Recitative: 'Und wie wohl viel falsche Zeugen herzutraten,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 40 Recitative: 'Mein Jesus schweigt zu falschen Ltille,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 41 Aria: 'Geduld, Geduld,..' & Nr. 42 Recitative: 'Und der Hohepriester antwortete...' & Nr. 43 Recitative: 'Da speieten sie...' & Nr. 44 Chorale: 'Wer hat dich so geschlagen,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 45 Recitative: 'Petrus aber sass draussen im Palast,..' & Nr. 46 Recitative: 'Da hub er an, sich zu verfluchen...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: No. 47 Aria: 'Erbarme dich, mein Gott,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 48 Chorale: 'Bin ich gleich von dir gewichen,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 49 Recitative: 'Des Morgens aber hielten alle...' & Nr. 50 Recitative: 'Und er warf die Slberlinge i den Tempel,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 51 Aria: 'Gebt mir meinem Jesum wieder!'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 52 Recitative: 'Sie hielten aber einen Rat...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 53 Chorale: 'Befiehl du deine Wege...'

Tracks:

Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 54 Recitative: 'Auf das Fest aber hatte der Landpfleger Gewohnheit,..' & Nr. 55 Chorale: 'Wie wunderbarlich ist doch diese Strafe!'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 56 Recitative: 'Der Landpfleger sagte:..' & Nr. 57 Recitative: 'Er hat uns allen wohlgetan;..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 58 Aria: 'Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 59 Recitative: 'Sie schrieen aber noch mehr...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 60 Recitative: 'Erbarm' es Gott!'
Matthaus- Passion BWV 244: Part Two: Nr. 61 Aria: 'Kn Trn meiner Wangen Nichts erlangen,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 62 Recitative: 'Da nahmen die Kriegsknechte...' & Nr. 63 Chorale: 'O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden,..' & Nr. 64 Recitative: Und da sie ihn verspottet hatten,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 65 Recitative: 'Ja! freilich will in uns das Fleisch und Blut...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 66 Aria: 'Komm, sKreuz,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 67 Recitative: 'Un da sie an die Ste kamen mit Namen Golgatha,..' & Nr. 68 Recitative: Desgleichen schmaheten ihn auch ie Morder,..
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 69 Recitative: 'Ach, Golgotha, unsel'ges Golgotha!'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 70 Aria And Chorus: 'Sehet, Jesus hat die Hand...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 71 Recitative: 'Und von der sechsten Stunde an...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 72 Chorale: 'Wenn ich einmal soll scheiden,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 73 Recitative: 'Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel zerriss...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 74 Recitative: am Abend, Da es kar,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 75 Aria: 'Mache dich, mein Herze, rein,..'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 76 Recitative: 'Und Joseph nahm den Leib...'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 77 Recitative And Chorus: 'Nun ist der Herr zur Ruh' gebracht.'
Matthaus-Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: Nr. 78 Chorus: 'Wir setzen uns mit Trn nieder...'

Amazon.com

This is the ultimate Bach choral music collection. All the big works are here: the B-minor Mass; St. Matthew Passion; St. John Passion; Christmas Oratorio; Easter Oratorio; and the Magnificat. Munchinger's performances were those that an entire generation of Bach lovers literally grew up on. Since the advent of the "authentic instrument" movement, it's become fashionable to treat these versions somewhat condescendingly. Listening to them again, however, I was struck by their freshness and energy. More to the point, Munchinger has a lineup of soloists--including Ely Ameling, Hermann Prey, and Peter Pears--that is second to none. A real bargain. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Vigorous, Spirited.......2005-11-27

These recordings will continue to maintain the standard of high music for decades to come for their vigor, spirit, and uncompromising standards. Amid the current fad of tiny orchestras and tarnished, obsolete instruments, it may surprise one that Bach did not write all his music for chamber ensembles and dinner parties.

This music is clearly intended for large audiences and a full orchestra in spacious churches, distinct from Bach's trademark chamber music designed for intimate settings. Hear these brilliant compositions at their best, as they ought to be heard.

Münchinger judiciously uses the polished skill of women voices while keeping the distinctive sound of boys' where they add to the power of the drama. One hears no choked adult falsettos which is all the rage these days. Remarkably, even adolescent male voices are used here for their terrific energy where one would otherwise expect to hear rough edges (as in the cries of "Vivat! Vivat!" in Queen Elizabeth's coronation). Listen to "Jauchzet, Frohlocket!" in the music sample, and you will hear the energy, even through the sample's compressed format.

If one is accustomed to antique instruments, inexplicable changes in tempo, mock castrati, and eccentric whimsy of the contemporary mass market, one has plenty of other recordings whence to choose.

If on the other hand you enjoy music for the power it holds in itself, listen to this music and lift up your heart.

The epitome of Bach.......2004-04-11

The passage of three and one-half decades has done nothing to tarnish the luster of Karl Munchinger's magnificent Bach creations. I have owned separately the B Minor Mass, Easter Oratorio, Magnificat and several of the cantatas since their first appearance in the 1960s.

This year, I've used the St. Matthew Passion included in this set as practice guide since my choral society is singing the music this year on Palm Sunday. It is a splendid performance that can rank with any available today. It stars some of the most wonderful European singers of the 1960s and is stylistically secure.

No recording today equals the brillance, romance, playing and singing of Munchinger's Easter Oratorio, which you purchase in Europe on a single CD mated with his equally fine performance of the Magnificat. The Munchinger B Minor Mass -- which some critics call the greatest piece of music ever written -- is in the same class and is miles ahead of the tinny, heartless Bach most of today's period professionals record.

I can never understand how these academicians could possibly think Johann Sebastian Bach would endorse his music being played that way. Bach lived in an era before the concept of "genius" was known. He was a dutiful Lutheran that composed the way an organ grinds and a monkey dances. He did not think of himself as extraordinary or of his music as special. Until Mendelssohn reintroduced much of his music in the 1800s, Bach was not considered among the greats in anything but his organ music.

Today, of course, we know him to be among the greatest of all composers. Bach was a man that produced 20-plus children and wrote a cantata for each Sunday of the year. In later life his intellect produced the Art of Fugue, which many believe was nothing more than a mental exericse for Johann Sebastian, never to be performed.

Is this a man whose work would be reduced to the pleasant tunes, rapid speeds and clear textures espoused by today's period practitioners? I doubt it. He was a man whose music should project his undying belief in God and man as a mated pair on Earth. In short, his music must have the blood, sweat and guts Bach expended. It must represent humanity as well as God.

Munchinger knew this better than any performer of his time. His small measure of romance led New York critic Martin Bookspan to declare his version of the Magnificat as "rapturous and joyful" as well as "stylish". With singers Elly Ameling, Werner Krenn, Helen Watts and Tom Krause mated with Vienna's best chorus, this CD stands alone 35 years later as the most magnificent account of this unearthly music.

Decca/London could do Americans a great service by offering these accounts separately. Until that time comes, you can shop for these items separately through Amazon.com UK or your preferred British outlet. Or buy this set and enjoy its heavenly contents, which include the inappropriately named Christmas Oratorio and St. John Passion.

Karl Munchinger's Bach.......2002-06-23

Karl Munchinger's pioneering recordings of Bach's music represented a revolution in performance which is difficult to perceive from our modern vantage point, when "period" instruments have become the norm. Munchinger's readings of Bach's choral masterpieces began to appear before Harnoncourt's revolution of a few years later. They were performances of straightforward integrity:clean orchestral playing, fine vocal soloists, sturdy overall direction (occasionally a tad literal and prosaic) and are well worth a listen today. The earliest of these recordings, the St. Matthew Passion (rec. 1964), is now pushing forty years old, but remains an impressive achievement. I have owned all of these recordings from their original appearance from 1965, and retain great affection for them. They were my introduction to Bach's choral music. Some comments which might be helpful:
St. Matthew Passion:
Peter Pears is wonderful as the Evangelist-very subtle, excellent feeling for text and his famous slow vibrato is much less obtrusive when he sings in German. The Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir is a well-trained ensemble, and provides suitable drama in the "turbae", or crowd scenes. For the secco recitative in this recording, Munchinger follows the direction in Bach's score and plays the bass-notes short (the correct manner-this really helps lighten up the secco recit-long-held organ notes in secco recit really bog it down). The young Elly Ameling (this was her second recording, after the great "Schubertiade" with Jorg Demus) is outstanding. Marga Hoffgen I have always found too wobbly, Wagnerian and unfocused (Helen Watts, who was was engaged for all the subsequent recordings, except the St. John Passion is a vast improvement). Hermann Prey, Tom Krause and Fritz Wunderlich are all fine. Tempos are on the slow and grand side overall, but very musical. Beautifully produced by Decca's Ray Minshull. It caused a real stir in its day.
Christmas Oratorio:
From 1966, this performance (also produced by Ray Minshull) has many virtues. The Lubecker Kantorei has a pleasantly fresh sound, though the boy trebles are often taxed on the high notes (at modern pitch they often have to sing high A's), and there are some moments of fuzzy ensemble (the development in the first chorus of part six is a case in point-the choir nearly loses it!). Pears is good, once again, as the Evangelist (less so as soloist in the tenor arias) and Ameling and Watts are truly outstanding. Baritone soloist, Tom Krause is more than adequate, though not so agile as, say, Max van Egmond, whose singing (and that of his students Peter Kooy and Harry van der Kamp) has so revolutionised our ideas of Bach's solo vocal music.
Mass in B minor:
The chorus of the Vienna "Singakademie" is often too heavy, opaque and operatic for clear delineation of Bach's six-part writing. The wobble from the upper voices is particularly disturbing. Munchinger's direction is often compelling, sometimes surprisingly sprightly (as in the opening Kyrie). The orchestra and instrumental soloists are great (with the possible exception of the violin soloist in the "Laudamus te"). The vocal soloists - Ameling, Watts, Krause again, with the addition of Werner Krenn (a great Bach tenor) and Yvonne Minton singing second soprano (surprisingly, often out of breath in the Laudamus te!) are reliably good.
St. John Passion:
Stuttgart Hymnus Boys' Choir, once again (a little uneven, but generally good, and with a genuinely thrilling "edge" to the sound). Dieter Ellenbeck makes a good Evangelist (although this time, as in the Christmas Oratorio, Munchinger forgets to follow the rule about short bass notes in secco recit, making the Evangelist's role too heavy and slow, accentuated by Munchinger's habit of having the 16' bass double throughout in the secco recitative). Ameling is, as always, great. Alto Julia Hamari also is very good. Werner Hollweg, a fine artist, sings the tenor arias with perhaps a little too much Wiener "Heldentenor" bravado. Krause is, again reliable (though his intonation isn't always secure this time).
Easter Oratorio:
I think that, overall, this is the best of Munchinger's Bach recordings. The orchestra is spirited and articulate in the opening sinfonia, whilst Munchinger's direction is sure and sprightly. All four vocal soloists (Ameling, Watts, Krenn, Krause) are great, and the Viennese choir is much better than in the B minor Mass. This performance yields nothing to such excellent period instrument versions as Herreweghe's on Harmonia Mundi. The Magnificat was recorded at the same sessions (1968), and finds the Stuttgart CO in similarly good form. Munchinger's performances are still strong and enjoyable, and it must not be forgotten how influential these recordings were in their own day. At the present re-issue price, they're a bargain. And Decca's recordings, made in the circular chapel of Schloss Ludwigsburg, outside Stuttgart, have stood the test of time - makes you wonder how much progress has actually been made in the art of recording since. Overall, then, this set is great, and still important for more than just historical reasons. Unless you are strictly a period instrument aficionado (which I am, by the way, and yet I still like these after all these years!), buy it. Every Bach lover should know these performances.

Brilliant.......2001-07-08

I am insulted that the other reviewer complained about this set. It is next to perfect. I love this set and would suguest it to anyone who likes Bach.

Very mixed.......2001-06-08

The Christmas Oratorio is splendid, though the solo work is not the best, the choral work is excellent, and I could kiss the feet of the trumpet player.

The Mass in B minor is not very well done, and the St. John Passion is very unsatisfactory, sloppy and half-hearted, Hamari seems almost exasperated on her first solo, and I can't say I blame her.

I didn't try the St. Matthew Passion, it was the same set of chorus and orchestra and soloists for the most part, as the St. John Passion.

I do not understand how there could be so much variation in quality in the same set, with the same conductor.

Track Listings: