Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

This is the first DVD release of all six of Bach's motets plus four other similar works, making for a programme of over 90 minutes. The recording was made in the Stiftskirche at Oberkaufungen in 1990. Rilling conducts his Gachinger Kantorei Stuttgart along with musicians from the Bach Collegium Stuttgart. As we would expect, the performances are very good. If one had to make a criticism it is that the presentation is too static. 90 minutes of looking at a choir and conductor, even from a variety of angles, is unimaginative. I know that if we had been there we would have had even less choice of what to look at but at least it would have been our choice. But it is the music that takes our attention and this is a fine performance. Those who love Bach will want to see this: for those who want to meet this great composer for the first time there are more important starting places.

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