Track Listing

1. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Magnificat
2. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Et Exsultavit
3. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Quia Respexit
4. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Omnes Generationes
5. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Quai Fecit Mihi Magna
6. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Et Misericordia
7. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Fecit Poetntiam
8. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Deposuit Potentes
9. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Esurientes Implevit Bonis
10. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Suscepit Israel
11. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Sicut Locutus Est
12. Magnificat, for 5 voices, 5-part chorus, orchestra & continuo in D major, BWV 243 (BC E14): Gloria Patri
13. Cantata No. 51, 'Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen,' BWV 51 (BC A134): "Zauchzet Gott in allen Landen", Aria for soprano
14. Cantata No. 51, 'Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen,' BWV 51 (BC A134): "Wir beten zu dem Tempel an", Recitative for soprano
15. Cantata No. 51, 'Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen,' BWV 51 (BC A134): "Hochster, mache deine Gute", Aria for soprano
16. Cantata No. 51, 'Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen,' BWV 51 (BC A134): "Sei Lob und Preis mit Ehren", Chorus for soprano
17. Cantata No. 51, 'Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen,' BWV 51 (BC A134): "Alleluja, Alleluja", for soprano

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #56722 in Music
• Brand: Philips
• Released on: 1990-10-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Amazon.com essential recording
The flashy, kaleidoscopic Magnificat remains one of Bach's most popular works, and this is one of its best recordings. John Eliot Gardiner directs a performance full of energy: his crackerjack choir and orchestra sail through the trickiest passages at high speed without sounding at all rushed or uncomfortable. The soloists are fine, with especially lovely singing from Nancy Argenta, Patrizia Kwella, and Charles Brett in the trio "Suscepit Israel." Also on this disc is the finest available version of the Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen Cantata. Emma Kirkby sings with all the purity of one of Bach's boys and all the assurance of an expert adult. She and trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins hurtle fearlessly through this famously difficult piece, high notes and long, fast runs holding no terrors for them. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews

Top-notch Performance
This CD will not disappoint. Its peformance uses period instruments, although I bought it before I had any idea of what "period instruments" meant. To some people, period instruments are needed for "authenticity," but as far as I'm concerned, the sound and performance are the most important regardless of instruments used.

The solo and ensemble work in the Magnificat are all excellent. I prefer the smaller sized choir's sound to a 100 voice Mahler symphony chorus's sound in Bach because the larger groups can overwhelm Bach's counterpoint. I'm also impressed by the trumpet players who brilliantly negotiate their parts on valveless period instruments. I definitely notice a difference in the sound of natural D trumpets to modern piccolo trumpets, and I think that the natural trumpets blend better with the whole group's sound.

The performance of Cantata 51 does not disappoint either. The outer movements are beautiful duets between soprano and trumpet, and again I appreciate the natural trumpet's sound here in place of a piccolo trumpet. Recordings with both instruments can be found and having heard both, I prefer this recording. Mr. Steele-Perkins' playing is outstanding, and Ms. Kirkby's singing is also very beautiful. This is a smaller scale work and does not need a large operatic voice, so the lighter sound of Ms. Kirkby's soprano and Mr. Steele-Perkins' natural trumpet are an excellent match.

This is an all around excellent CD and after repeated listening it has a permanent place in my top shelf.

Magnificent Magnificat!
This is the way a Magnificat should sound! Gardiner's rendition of Bach's Magnificat clearly magnifies the glory of the Lord. It is clear from this recording alone that Bach was indeed a master-craftsman. From the explosive opening through all the carefully considered solos, ensemble and singers blend seamlessly. Thomas' bass aria and Brett's & Rolfe-Johnson's duet are some of the highlights of the non-choral numbers. The voices of Brett (male-alto) and Rolfe-Johnson (tenor) combine very well, perhaps because they are both males? The Monteverdi Choir never fails to sound enthused about what they are singing. The "Fecit potentiam" and "Gloria Patri" are as much pep-rallies as prayers. The disc is topped off nicely by the inclusion of the cantata/motet Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen. Emma Kirby's soprano floats over the many rises and falls of her five movement cantata with grace. Her effortless technique and crystal clear voice are perfect. Gardiner gives her just the right amount of orchestral support - almost throwing her higher during the final soaring "Alleluja". This is a terrific period instrument recording, perfect balance, perfect soloists, GREAT choir!

This is an extraordinary recording
I agree with other customer reviewers that this is an exceptional recording of two beautiful pieces of music. Other recordings of the Magnificat do not compare to this in recording quality, production, or performance. The male soloists in the Magnificat stand out, and Emma Kirkby is incredible in Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen. When I am looking for a CD to buy for a gift, this one is always on the top of my list.