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Bach: Magnificat; Vivaldi: Gloria / Hendricks, Marriner


Release Date: 08/19/2008 
Label:  Emi Classics Encore Catalog #: 08287   Spars Code: n/a 
Composer:  Johann Sebastian Bach,  Antonio Vivaldi
Performer:  Celia Nicklin,  Ann Murray,  Christine Messiter,  Leonore Smith,   ... 
Conductor:  Sir Neville Marriner
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chorus,  Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Number of Discs: 1 
Recorded in: Stereo 
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Notes and Editorial Reviews

Non-period versions in wonderful performances superbly captured by the engineers

Here we have two of the most popular short choral works harnessed together – unsurprisingly, not for the first time. The Bach in particular has called forth a host of outstanding versions, with particularly fine ones from Kuijken, Gardiner and Koopman. But the particular attraction of these interpretations by Marriner is that they use modern instruments - other than the harpsichord - and as such, this disc remains a major contender in the field, having rarely been out of the catalogue since the recording was originally made back in 1990.

All the elements are in place; Marriner has an excellent, multi-national team of Read more soloists, though Barbara Hendricks’ rather icy style will not be to all tastes. In fairness, this is not the repertoire we perhaps normally associate her with, but she is unfailingly musical and stylish in this context. Uwe Heilmann is a somewhat throaty tenor, but he shows great sensitivity in his duetting with Jean Rigby in the lovely Et misericordia of the Bach (track 6). Rigby herself is superb throughout, her very lovely Domine Deus in the Vivaldi being one of the highlights of the disc (track 20). The excellent Academy Chorus sings with zest and fine tone, even if their ensemble is momentarily slightly ragged at the beginning of the great Gloria in the Bach (track 10). The instrumental obbligati are all played with distinction, while the balancing of the orchestra allows trumpets and timpani to make the requisite impact without dominating unduly. A final word should go to the continuo player, John Constable, who adds some lovely touches, notably in the delicious Esurientes of the Bach.

There’s little more to say. If you are looking for a non-period version of these works, you cannot go wrong with these: wonderful performances superbly captured by the engineers.

– Gwyn Parry-Jones, MusicWeb International Read less

Works on This Recording

1. Gloria in D major, RV 589 by Antonio Vivaldi
Performer:  Celia Nicklin (Oboe d'amore), Celia Nicklin (Oboe), Ann Murray (Mezzo Soprano),
Christine Messiter (Flute), Leonore Smith (Flute), Jorma Hynninen (Bass),
Christopher [Double Bass] Lawrence (Double Bass), Stephen Orton (Cello), Jean Rigby (Mezzo Soprano),
Gavin McNaughton (Bassoon), John Constable (Harpsichord), Uwe Heilmann (Tenor),
Barbara Hendricks (Soprano)
Conductor:  Sir Neville Marriner
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chorus,  Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Period: Baroque 
Written: Venice, Italy 
 Length: 26 Minutes 33 Secs. 
2. Magnificat in D major, BWV 243 by Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer:  Ann Murray (Mezzo Soprano), Celia Nicklin (Oboe d'amore), Celia Nicklin (Oboe),
Stephen Orton (Cello), Gavin McNaughton (Bassoon), Jean Rigby (Mezzo Soprano),
Leonore Smith (Flute), Jorma Hynninen (Bass), Christopher [Double Bass] Lawrence (Double Bass),
Christine Messiter (Flute), Barbara Hendricks (Soprano), Uwe Heilmann (Tenor),
John Constable (Harpsichord)
Conductor:  Sir Neville Marriner
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chorus,  Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Period: Baroque 
Written: circa 1728-1731; Leipzig, Germany 

Featured Sound Samples

Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): I. Gloria in excelsis Deo

Sound Samples

Magnificat in D BWV243: I. Magnificat
Magnificat in D BWV243: II. Et exultavit
Magnificat in D BWV243: III. Quia respexit
Magnificat in D BWV243: IV. Omnes generationes
Magnificat in D BWV243: V. Quia fecit mihi magna
Magnificat in D BWV243: VI. Et misericordia
Magnificat in D BWV243: VII. Fecit potentiam
Magnificat in D BWV243: VIII. Deposuit potentes
Magnificat in D BWV243: IX. Esurientes implevit bonis
Magnificat in D BWV243: X. Suscepit Israel
Magnificat in D BWV243: XI. Sicut locutus est
Magnificat in D BWV243: XII. Gloria
Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): II. Et in terra pax hominibus
Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): III. Laudamus te
Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): V. Propter magnam gloriam
Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): VI. Domine Deus
Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): VII. Domine Fili unigenite
Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): VIII. Domine Deus, Agnus Dei
Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): IX. Qui tollis peccata mundi
Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): X. Qui sedes ad dexteram
Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): XI. Quoniam tu solus sanctus
Gloria in D RV589 (ed. Malipiero): XII. Cum Sancto Spiritu

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review:  ( 1 Customer Review )
 Beautiful Non-Period Recording May 11, 2013 By W. Wilborn (Richwood, TX) See All My Reviews "These works are presented on modern instruments, except for the harpsichord, with great Choruses and soloists. Recommended." Report Abuse
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