Bach: Mass in B Minor Boston Baroque/Martin Pearlman (Telarc 2CD-80517).

Bach: Mass in B Minor Boston Baroque/Martin Pearlman (Telarc 2CD-80517)

Audiophiles still tend to expect grandiose sonic blockbusters from Telarc. For the B Minor Mass, for example, you might be expecting a large chorus and orchestra--maybe something along the lines of Robert Shaw conducting the Atlanta Symphony and Chorus. Well, as a matter of fact, there is such a release in the Telarc back catalog, but this new release is much different in scale, with director Pearlman leading an original instruments orchestra of about 30 members and a chorus of similar size. Those who are accustomed to being blown away by the sheer grandeur of a large production will be disappointed; however, those who appreciate clarity and proportion will be satisfied by this approach. Although at times I found the performance to be a bit too low-voltage in terms of energy and emotion, I did appreciate the overall consistency of the production. I suspect that many Bach lovers already own a favorite version of the Mass in B Minor; for them, this version will be a good supplementary version. For those who do not own a recording of this piece, this new Telarc would be a good first version, because it presents the music with such clarity and directness, and in excellent sound.-- KWN