Bach (1685-1750) - Mass In B Minor: Karajan / Po Schwarzkopf Hoffgen Gedda Rehfuss +etc - Import 2 CD

Credits:

Berlin Po

Description:

Mark Obert-Sohn reissue. Schwarzkopf sadly passed away recently, but this performance offers a different taste of her art than the opera. This is a rare mix of two sessions, one in Vienna and one in London, with Dennis Brain (horn), Thurston Dart (organ), and other virtuosos in London. It is reissued from a French LP in good condition. The bonus track of the famous "Mass in B Minor" is also very valuable. This recording of the legendary Bach Mass in B Minor was made, quite unusually, at two different recording sites with two different orchestras. The Vienna Philharmonic secured an anonymous recording with the Musikverein Chorus in Vienna, while the Philharmonia Orchestra recorded the solo and duet singing scenes in London with a reduced orchestra of the principal players from each wind section. The recording was released in 1954 to mixed reviews.In Collins' Record Guide, which came out in 1955, he wrote, "The heart of Karajan's reading of the score is nimble, yet the sound is perfectly clear and the rhythms are elastic. These characteristics have been overlooked in many performances. Thanks to Karajan and the recording engineers, every detail of the vocal and instrumental music can be heard. The chorus and the way the singers sing are a delight." The recording was described as "a real treat.