John Austin | Kangaroo Ground, Australia | 02/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is good to see that Vanguard are successfully remastering and reissuing so many of their classic recordings. This one comes up very well (belying its 1957 vintage), and is recommended to those who are interested in beginning an exploration of Bach's choral music. Performance styles of baroque music currently undergo rapid change. Here, operatic voices and animated chorus combine with an orchestra of modern instruments. Anton Heiller is the organist. The sound is rich, of the highly resonant Viennese type. The tiny cantata "Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft" is a knock out. A four minute fragment for double chorus and large orchestra, proceeding in strong march rhythm, it makes an unforgettable impact."