Johann Sebastian Bach

“Gardiner bases his forces on the famous memorandum which Bach handed to the Leipzig town council in 1730 outlining the vocal and instrumental requirements for performances of his church music. This results in a larger ripieno group. Gardiner also includes a harpsichord as well as an organ, the simultaneous playing of which, in Wolff's words, was 'a practice that can probably be assumed to be normative in the great majority of Bach's church music'. Gardiner uses women's voices for the soprano solo and ripieno lines and also a male alto soloist and male alto ripieno singers.
This is a fine achievement. Here the many strong points of his direction – a vital rhythmic understanding, a clear and positive sense of purpose, and a naturally affective response to Bach's music, combine in forming a concept of the work which not only explores its eneffable mysteries but also savours the magnificence of its architecture.The solo vocal line-up is a strong one and there are few weak moments; most of the soloists sing in the ripieno group as well, though Patrizia Kwella and Lynne Dawson appear to be exceptions to the rule. Nancy Argenta's 'Laudamus te', in which she is lightly partnered by Elizabeth Wilcock's sensitive violin playing is very fine and the singing of Mary Nichols who provides an expressive and wellbalanced partnership with Patrizia Kwella in the 'Et in unum Dominum' deserves special mention.
Michael Chance gives a beautifully controlled account of the 'Agnus Dei' and there are assured contributions elsewhere from Wynford Evans and Stephen Varcoe.
The crowning achievement of Gardiner's recording lies in the vitality, accuracy and homogeneity of the ripieno singing it is in no sense intended to underplay the considerable virtues of the soloists and the orchestra; but this, after all, is first a vocal work and foremost a choral one. The ripieno singing at its very best – as it is for example, in the 'Et resurrexit' – is thrilling and gives a fervent imprint to the entire work. There is a spontaneity about this singing to which few listeners could remain indifferent.
Gardiner's choruses are immediately striking and handled with such skill and rigorous discipline that repeated hearing in no sense diminishes their impact.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“Gardiner masterfully conveys the majesty (with bells and censer-swinging evoked) simultaneously with a crisply resilient rhythmic pulse. The choral tone is luminous and powerfully projected. The recording is warmly atmospheric but not cloudy.” Penguin Guide, 2011 edition ***

“Rostropovich responds to the atmospheric location of a French cathedral with performances penetrated by a deep melancholy.” Classic FM Magazine, July 2011

“Biondi’s understanding of each gleaming facet of the music made this a revelatory performance. Bostridge’s 'Schlummert ein' was the sweetest of lullabies.” The Times

An outstanding recommendation for those who fancy an intimate but powerfully dramatic view.
Penguin Guide