Title: Utterly Synoptic Performance, Great!
Product review: Here is one of those cheapie CDs that is indispensable. Thi performance by Gonnenwein from Ludwigsburg of the Great Mass is much finer than the much-earlier one available from EMI. The reading brings together the diverse stylistic tendencies of the work -- alluded to way back when by Einstein the musicologist -- in a a sort of grand and elegant synopsis. From that perspective it is really is best, to my ears. For utter drama, with some of the same summarizing talent is the old Celibidache document from Italy. But this Ludwgisburg performance really has a sympathetic clarity that helps you not be deterred by the almost terrible monumentality of the work. In such capable hands it is still monumental, but also very human and touching. Simply a wonderful account of the music!
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