For me Herreweghe get's it just right. Is he the best? Who's to say? Is he the best for me? Yes. His work just gets me so emotionally involved in the piece. Bach has the power to evoke goose bumps, tears, joy and ecstasy, Herreweghe, for me, allows that power and finesse to come through. Of course it is a matter of interpretation, seems all his work is brilliant to me. Not everyone can do everything great, there is a bit of specialization, I think this is his speciality, and it shows. The power of the music is there, it just needs to be rendered in a way that allows it to flow, and his work flows in a way that you get lost in the music, the director is gone, all that is left is the music and the emotions it has imparted on you. Bravo to a master!
The best combination of technical precision and simply depth of emotion make for probably the best recording of Bach's titan masterwork. Gardiner's recording, as good as it is, feels a tad too calculated at times.
I don't disagree that it is exemplary of its kind. But of course there are different views on optimal ensemble size, tempi, etc., not to mention many incomparable artists that have recorded this piece over the years. I myself love the Richter performance. Then there is Gardner, Davis, Marriner, Shaw, even Klemperer. It's not really useful to denounce admiration of such masters as as "ignorant".
Well, that's fine, but you've spoken only of technical polish. Many other performances have their own virtues, including not least artistry, interpretation, musicality, etc. I'm always suspicious of pronouncements of "the best".
For me Herreweghe get's it just right. Is he the best? Who's to say? Is he the best for me? Yes.
His work just gets me so emotionally involved in the piece. Bach has the power to evoke goose bumps, tears, joy and ecstasy, Herreweghe, for me, allows that power and finesse to come through. Of course it is a matter of interpretation, seems all his work is brilliant to me. Not everyone can do everything great, there is a bit of specialization, I think this is his speciality, and it shows. The power of the music is there, it just needs to be rendered in a way that allows it to flow, and his work flows in a way that you get lost in the music, the director is gone, all that is left is the music and the emotions it has imparted on you. Bravo to a master!
So beautiful...I believe in the sky, in angels and in God!
The best combination of technical precision and simply depth of emotion make for probably the best recording of Bach's titan masterwork. Gardiner's recording, as good as it is, feels a tad too calculated at times.
It just flows and flows and flows beautifully.
Zámbó Jimmy
I don't disagree that it is exemplary of its kind. But of course there are different views on optimal ensemble size, tempi, etc., not to mention many incomparable artists that have recorded this piece over the years. I myself love the Richter performance. Then there is Gardner, Davis, Marriner, Shaw, even Klemperer. It's not really useful to denounce admiration of such masters as as "ignorant".
Well, that's fine, but you've spoken only of technical polish. Many other performances have their own virtues, including not least artistry, interpretation, musicality, etc. I'm always suspicious of pronouncements of "the best".
Don't be foolishly dogmatic. For such a work there is NO best performance.
Aburrida