Kathleen Ferrier in Bach's Mass in B Minor

ARIADNE 5000-2 - (2 CD slimline set) - Our first issue is Bach's B minor Mass with Suzanne Danco, Kathleen Ferrier, Peter Pears, Bruce Boyce, Norman Walker, BBC Chorus, The Boyd Neel Orchestra, George Malcolm - harpsichord, conducted by George Enescu.

Transfers for this first issue were made from original 14" BBC transcription discs by Engineer Roger Beardsley from the collection of Michael Letchford. We know of no other transcription from an original source and we are justly pleased with the much improved sound.

Suzanne Danco Soprano - Kathleen Ferrier Contralto - Peter Pears Tenor Bruce Boyce Baritone - Norman Walker Bass - BBC Chorus - Boyd Neel Orchestra George Malcolm Harpsichord - George Enescu Conductor

2CD slimline set

DISC 1 - Mass in B minor, BWV 232 - Kyrie, Gloria

DISC 2 - Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei

Plus two bonus tracks - J.S. Bach Arias with Kathleen Ferrier: St. Matthew Passion BWV 244 No. 47 Aria: Have mercy, Lord, on me Cantata No. 11 ('Praise Our God') BWV 11 No. 10 Aria: Ah, Tarry Yet

This account of Bach's great Mass is important for the quality of the singing as well as for Enescu's impressive overall conception. The singing of both Peter Pears in the Benedictus and Kathleen Ferrier in the succeeding Agnus Dei is truly exceptional.