Reviewed by Dave Massey

Two masses here from Bach's Leipzig days as the cantor of St Thomas's. They are amongst some of his least known works, and criticised for the fact that Bach borrowed from some of his earlier cantatas - a common and necessary practise if you consider the number of works that the church required of it's composers in any one year. The fact that he used his own works is often overlooked by critics and brings to mind the much heard criticism of modern music.."But it all sounds the same!"...and the lament of Solomon, "There is nothing new under the sun" - ain't that a fact! Cristoph Pregardien (tenor) as ever, produces the goods with lots of Baroque style in his solo spots, one such gem being the "Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi" in the G minor mass (BWV235) - and the balance between choir and orchestra and soloists is spot on thanks to the talents of Mike Clements who I think deserves a mention. Agnes Mellon provides a beautifully pure toned performance of the "Qui Tollis" of the A major mass, and the credit for a sensitive and well rounded interpretation of these works must go to Mr Earwig as my kids have come to call Phillipe Herreweghe - the director of the institute of early music.

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