Bright, light, effervescent, and ebullient,
Neville Marriner's 1990 recordings of Bach's Magnificat and Vivaldi's Gloria may not be the last word in deeply spiritualized performances of these beloved sacred works, but they are certainly enjoyable as long as they last. The vocal soloists are first rate, starting with warm soprano
Barbara Hendricks and ending with resolute bass
Jorma Hynninen. The
Chorus of the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields is strong but supple and always in tune and the
Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields is a brilliantly colorful, joyously rhythmic, and supremely virtuosic orchestra.
Marriner, nobody's first choice for heavier works like Bach's Mass and Passions, is a thoroughly appropriate choice for these optimistic masterpieces and his clear textures, buoyant tempos, and enthusiastic conducting make for an entirely pleasurable listening experience. EMI's digital sound is clean, cool, and vivid.