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KLEMPERER'S TITANIC BACH J S BACH: Choruses from Mass in B Minor (Previously unpublished) Philharmonia Chorus, Philharmonia Orchestra Otto Klemperer Testament SBT1138 79m ADD. (Recorded 1961) Stereo.

 


Crotchet




Otto Klemperer's justly famous recording of the complete Bach Mass has rightly held almost legendary status for over three decades and for many this is his last sacred word on one of the greatest composers of all time. Still, Testament have once again come to the rescue and have managed to fish out these rare mastertapes of an aborted attempt to record the Mass seven years earlier together with a short rehearsal sequence. Comparisons with the latter account are instructive here, however I for one found myself eminently more comfortable with these saner and more spiritual readings than the occasional stodginess that permeates the 1967 version.

A case in point is the beautiful Kyrie which unfolds with almost disarming simplicity here whilst it takes on an almost hallowed and unreal quality with the NPO. The singing is also consistently more upbeat in 1961 although occasional lapses of co-ordination are understandable due to the lack of editing. The spontaneous glories of the magnificent 'Gloria' are almost hair-raising in both versions with the Gratias agimus tibi in particular, benefiting from the expansive and solemn treatment. There is also much to admire in the 'Credo' which breathes a stimulant life and contains much spectacular singing. I particularly warmed to the amazing beauties of the 'Confiteor' with its soaringly magnificent melodies and the firm contrapuntal line established by Klemperer.

It is hardly appropriate to suggest that Klemperer was in much better shape in 1961 when these takes were recorded but, curiously the 1967 performance seems much better prepared and, slow tempi aside is a miraculous experience in every way. Alan Sanders tends to disagree with this in his authoritative liner notes that accompany the CD although consultations with Friedrich Smend on the lightness of texture and clarity in Bach performances are an added advantage just the same. It is also worth noting that Klemperer used the BBC Singers for his complete studio recording and that, intentionally, the Philharmonia Chorus were to provide for posterity.

Indeed, the chief glory of this reissue is the inspired singing of the chorus especially in the concluding 'Dona nobis pacem' where the grandeur of Bach's vision is matched by the architectural strengths of Klemperer's precise conducting. The additional rehearsal sequence reveals a conductor completely in command of an orchestra, but in no way a tyrant. It is also amusing to eavesdrop on such historic sessions! Testament's remastering is superb with the clarity and depth of the original recordings considerably enhanced. It is indeed appropriate to quote Klemperer here:

'For me, Bach's Mass in B Minor is the greatest music ever written'

When performed with such reverence and in whatever guise by an untiring disciple of the master, this titanic Mass indeed takes its place amongst the musical wonders for all time.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

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