"I have worn out my vinyl records of this performance. The soloists are superb, particularly Adele Addison who did not record much after this. The Shaw Choral was composed of professionals and sounds it. Shaw has his usual rhythmic and tonal control -- and the result is magic."
Bach's Mass in b minor, R. Shaw Chorale and Orchestra
R Kriebel | Lansdale, Pennsylvania | 01/06/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Normally, the music of Bach would warrant a rating of no less that five stars. However, Robert Shaw was able to over interpret and change Bach's greatest choral work to the point that it sounds Romantic. The articulations throughout are much too legato, in both the chorus and the orchestra, and the broad ritards at the end of each and every movement get tiresome. In fact, the tempos during the entire Mass are a bit too slow. In addition to this, Shaw takes the liberty of changing several chorale sections to small vocal ensembles sections. He obviuosly does this for dynamic contrast, but it is uncharateristic. The solo work however, is beautiful. Overall, the effect is somewhat enjoyable, but if you are looking for a recording that is performed in a true Baroque style, you will want to look elsewhere."
Wonderful Performance with Draw backs yes...
Michael J. Parker | Winchester Va/Atlanta GA | 07/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I understand that this recording sounds a little muddy, but what do you expect?! ITS A HISTORIC RECORDING! Robert Shaw and Company recorded this album in 1960. It was THE FIRST AND ONLY recording of the B Minor Mass in the USA, for years! There is a reason why it won th 1960 Grammy Award for Best Choral Recording. Robert Shaw and company went all over the country in 1960 performing this piece in Farm Houses and School Gyms. Bringing this piece of Baroque Mastery to the numberless masses. Accounts of the day talk about people waiting in lines for 10 to 12 hours to hear this group perform THIS PIECE! Dogging this recording for bad recording practices is ok. I will give you that the sound is not crystal clear. But the performance of Chours, Soloist and Orchestra are OUTSTANDING. Know why this piece and this recording had the praise and acclades it had for so long. Own this CD and Own a Piece of History!"
A Fantastic Blend
K. Bowersock | Lubbock, TX | 12/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an amazing recording. I want to say that I also own Klemperer and Gardiner's "definitive" recordings, one being ultra-romantic, the other being the polar opposite period performance. Both are fantastic in their own way; however, after a while with only "extremes" I felt I needed a blend. I knew just where to go. I bought this fantastic recording off Amazon, and was not disappointed. It does not have the blazing speed of Gardiner's recording, yet is never lethargic in places (as one could easily say about Klemperers). Overall, the tempos are perfect, with a mastery blend of quickness in the faster sections, and restrained romanticism in the slower ones. I also believe that this version surpasses Shaw's later, more restrained, 1990 version with Telarc; for while the latter recording's sonics are better, the earlier recording makes up for its technological flaws (which are not bad at all - it is Living Stereo) with intensity and spontaneity. Will I stop listing to Gardiner's or Klemperer's conceptions now that I have found my blend? - No, they are both brilliant in their own way, and "definitive" seems to be a fitting adjective for the beauty contained within each set. However, the B Minor Mass is one of the supreme achievements of Western music, and to have but one interpretation is doing yourself a great injustice. Robert Shaw's conception of Bach's masterpiece is just what I wanted, and this testament should be in every music lover's collection."
***THERE ARE NO OTHER RECORDINGS LIKE THIS**
Lady Keswick | Philadelphia, PA United States | 05/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the opening "Kyrie Eleison", which you will feel down to your feet, to the closing "Dona Nobis Pacem" this CD will blow
your mind. I own the original LP which I happened to find at a used book store in South Philly for $7.00! You MUST play this
as loud as possible. It is earth shatteringly beautiful, sensitive, and leaves me breathless every time I listen to it.
Lucky for you this is on CD! I'm sending a copy to my mother right now!
ENJOY!!!!!"