Search - Heinrich Schutz, Rudolf Mauersberger, Dresden Philharmonic :: Schütz: Geistliche Chormusik 1648

Good solid performance, conveys message of the biblical text

03/25/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mauersberger has the ability to impart strength to his performances without overwhelming the listener. I like prefer his use of orchestra vs. a capella choruses better than the way Ehmann did. His "Sehet an die Feigenbaum" shows the power side of Schütz typical of all great German composers (something that some "authentic" performers have a hard time coming to grips with). I like "Was mein Gott will" which uses trombones and string bass masterfully (one of my favorite instrumental textures). His "Selig sind die toten" is indescribably beautiful and an expression of his Lutheran faith. Although I understand German, I wish Berlin Classics would print an English translation for those not blessed with such."

Venerable early Schutz recording

09/26/1998

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Rudolf Mauersberger (1889-1971) did a great deal to rediscover Schutz for modern audiences. Amongst the reissues on Berlin Classics this 2CD set of the complete Geistliche Chormusik of 1648 is one of the most valuable. For those wanting the traditional cathedral choir sound this is the recording to go for. For those wanting a more modern "authentic performance" sound the set by Hennig (if available) or the 1998 Cordes performance on CPO will be preferred."