Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Paul McCreesh, Gabrieli Consort & Players :: J. S. Bach: Magnificat; Easter Oratorio

Superb Easter Oratorio and strong Magnificat in remastered s

Mike Birman | Brooklyn, New York USA | 10/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bach's Magnificat is given a splendid performance in clean, crisp remastered sound on this mid-price release from DGG. Paul McCresh and his Gabrieli Consort is one of today's finest ensembles recording early music in historically informed performances. Here McCresh adopts Joshua Rifkin's theory of performing Bach's choral works 'One Voice Per Part' so vocal textures are stripped-down and are exceptionally crisp and clear. McCresh conveys a real sense of urgency in the Magnificat which grips us as if it were a desperate plea for salvation. The Easter Oratorio is a lesser known masterpiece from Bach that deserves to be much better known. Bach's glorious choral writing sounds beautiful and lush even though the vocal performances are lighter in texture. McCresh elicits a lovely satiny sheen from his assembled voices. He emphasizes the music's sheer beauty of sound creating a pleasing mixture of voices and instruments. The remastered recording is warm and rich with a wide soundstage that is softly reverberant. This is an excellent Bach CD at a reasonable price. Strongly recommended.



Mike Birman"