Bach: Mass in B minor

Gramophone Classical Music Guide 2010 “In these days of period-instrument hegemony in the performance of Bach, this 'old-fashioned' B minor Mass may be considered an anachronism among younger collectors, but it has its own validity in terms of Giulini's absolute commitment to the work in hand and in the thoroughness of the execution. The downside of the large-scale approach can be heard in the somewhat lumbering account of 'Qui tollis', its upside in the grave, measured 'Gratias agimus' where the successive entries of the same idea are unerringly propelled. 'Et incarnatus est' and 'Crucifixus' in the Credo have a wonderful inwardness, the 'Sanctus' a power unavailable to a smaller choir. When it comes to the soloists this performance wins hands down over authenticity. Janet Baker, on top form, is warm, vibrant, above all communicative with her words. Shirley-Quirk, in both his solos, is confident and bold in his vocal projection, secure and full in tone. There's no one to match them today. Jenny Hill sings purely and with fresh feeling. Only Peter Pears, already in his sixties, disappoints. The recording catches both the St Pauls' reverberation and the sense of a notable occasion.” Penguin Guide 2010 *** “[Baker's] contributions shine out with heart-warming fervour. Peter Pears, then 62, is in fine, clear voice...Giulini adopts speeds on the broad side even for a traditional, large-scale performance, but soloists and chorus alike sustain them superbly, as do the orchestra.”