J.S. Bach: Mass In B Minor BWV232 (Johann Sebastian Bach: Mass In B Minor / Collegium 1704 & Collegium Vocale 1704, Vaclav Luks) (2CD) [Import]

Mass in B Minor" by Collegium 1704, a leading Czech early music ensemble.

[Product Number: ACC-24283] [2CDs] [101'26"] [Import CD] [Accent]

Collegium 1704, a baroque ensemble from Prague, Czech Republic, has earned acclaim for their recording of Zelenka's Requiem (ACC-24244), known as the Bohemian Bach. This time, they have recorded the "Mass in B Minor," considered one of Bach's greatest works.

Modern research has led to the mainstreaming of performances using the ensembles that Bach actually used, and the smaller ensembles allow for clearer expression of each part's line. This performance also features a chorus of 18 voices: 3 sopranos I, 3 sopranos II, 5 altos, 4 tenors, and 5 basses. Six soloists also sing in the chorus. The orchestra is small, consisting of just 30 members.

Led by Václav Lux, Collegium 1704 was founded in 1991 by harpsichordist Václav Lux, born in 1970. It is a cutting-edge ensemble at the forefront of the rapidly advancing Czech early music scene. Each member of the ensemble possesses exceptional talent, and the chorus and soloists are all top-notch. With their superb technique, beautiful sound, and fast tempos, they deliver a dynamic performance that takes us into a new world of Bach.

Collegium Vocale 1704 Collegium 1704 Vaclav Luks (conductor) Hana Blasíková (S) Sophie Harmsen (Ms) Terry Vai (Conductor) Erik Štoklosa (T) Tomás Král (B) Marían Krejčík (B)

Recorded: January 6–10, 2013, Studio Domovina, Prague