Bach: His Music, His Life

Rating:
Summary: Christmas Oratorio--the first half
Review: Good performance, but nothing in the description supplied gives any hint that this is ONLY THE FIRST HALF of the Christmas Oratorio. There are a total of six cantatas in the oratorio, for the first three days of Christmas, New Year's Day, the Sunday after New Year's Day, and the Feast of the Epiphany. This disk contains only the first three. The disk case plainly reads "Weihnachtsoratorium, Kantaten 1-3," so I must assume the incorrect listing came from someone in Amazon who didn't know enough about the work.

Rating:
Summary: A Delight for Eyes, Ears, and Soul
Review: With six soloists and a double chorus, Bach relates with great passion and devotion St. Matthew's story of the Passion.

I was pleasantly surprised by the virtuosity and emotional involvement of nearly all the orchestra's players and the conductor.

The music itself, reminded me of Mozart's genius, because likewise, Johann Sebastian Bach was able to include so many exquisite and movingly beautiful musical passages.

English sub-titles make this easier to follow than any CD recording.

Hermann Prey and Margaret Marshall lead the other very able soloists in an unforgettable performance. The Klosterkirche Alpirsbach provides a perfect setting.

If you enjoy Bach, this will be a delight for your eyes, your ears, and your soul.