Ignore track 1 and enjoy the rest.
Gary J. Wright | San Francisco, CA United States | 11/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The solo performances of BWV 1001 and BWV 1004 are superb. Such quality playing as this, combined with a magnificent recording, is fully worthy of 5-Stars.
Moreno plays flawlessly, but never rigidly. There is a lovely bloom to the closely-recorded sound. This is one of the very finest performances I have heard of these pieces.
However, the first track with its dirge-like singing is not to my tastes at all. Ably performed by Kirkby and Mena no doubt, but quite ugly in my opinion. Fortunately, the same piece is performed beautifully later on minus the ghastly German vocals and thank goodness for that."
Fantastic.
Benjamin R. Mariante | outside Boston | 05/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I couldn't disagree with one reviewer more. Kirkby is sensational. Listen to the first cut - over and over. It will get into the depths of your soul.
The lute is of course superb. This is not workaday Bach, but Bach at his deepest. Don't worry about numerology. He is mourning his wife, and this mourns for all of us and for the world. Listen!"