Performers: Nancy Argenta, Patrizia Kwella, Charles Brett, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, David Thomas, Monteverdi Choir (a), Emma Kirkby, Crispian Steele-Perkins (b)
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Conductor: John Eliot Gardiner (a & b)
Recording Date and Place: November 1983 in All Saints, Tooting, London
Record Label: PHILIPS 464 672-2
Total Duration: 41.14 minutes
In the heart of these two Bach masterworks – the Magnificat in D Major and the Cantata BWV 51, emerges a recording that beautifully communicates the composer’s ability to encapsulate the range of human emotions through music. The soulful performances by the soloists, choir, and orchestra, under maestro Gardiner’s expert guidance, paint an aural landscape, both earthy and transcendent.
The Magnificat in D Major showcases the chemistry between soloists Nancy Argenta, Patrizia Kwella, Charles Brett, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, and David Thomas. Their voices blend seamlessly into the multi-layered fabric of the score. Argenta’s luminous soprano imparts a remarkable fluidity and suppleness while Kwella delivers an impressive display of technical precision and emotive intensity. Brett’s countertenor provides a complementary contrast, enveloping the choruses with warmth.
The celebrated Monteverdi Choir lends depth and intensity, their harmonies are tightly knit and the power of their voices flurry with expressions. The English Baroque Soloists, under the baton of Gardiner, play with a clear tone, meticulous articulation, and rhythmic vitality that animate Bach’s score into vivid storytelling.
Moving onto the second piece—Cantata BWV 51—vocal virtuoso Emma Kirkby showcases her renowned agility and exquisite timbre while trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins gives the performance a buoyant lift. Together, they invoke a narrative that alternates between jubilant celebration and reflective adoration.
Gardiner, known for his measured yet passionate approach to Baroque music, allows Bach’s intricate melodies to unfold naturally. He skillfully exploits the textural contrasts within these works, laying bare the very essence of Bach’s musical language.
Undeniably, the recording quality magnifies everything that is remarkable about this performance. Captured at All Saints in Tooting, London, the natural acoustics have been used to brilliant effect, lending an authentic resonance to every note.
Overall, this compelling rendition of Bach’s Magnificat and Cantata is an exquisite blend of vocal and instrumental artistry. The entire ensemble succeeds in delivering an intricate, engaging, and sensitive reading of these richly layered works. This recording is worth considering for anyone who appreciates the depth and complexity of Bach’s choral music.
