Save around 22% with
the retailers listed alongside

This is a continuation of the Chandos Bach Lutheran Masses series, a very desirable group of works which have been relatively neglected until recently. The earlier mass on this disc, BWV 233 is notably more celebratory and contains some added parts for woodwind including horns that make a beautifully noble sound especially in the 'Gloria'. The later BWV 236 is in G major and is altogether quieter. Some notable differences in scoring aside, I preferred this work much more and could detect traces of the beauty that pervades the more famous and obviously better Mass in B Minor'. The quartet of soloists is also commendable and includes a Michael Chance on top form as well as a sensitively voiced Nancy Argenta. Chandos also find space for the Trio Sonata, BWV 529 which is beautifllu played by the Purcell Quartet. I cannot think of any real competition to these polished and impeccable performances at the moment and do not foresee any rivals, at least in the present over saturated Bach market. Committed Bachians will obviously want this disc, having already snapped up Vol. 1 but other collector should tread with caution as these are not some of Bach's better oeuvres.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviews from previous months