Modus Vivendi

J.S.Bach - Mass in B minor BWV232 - Agnus Dei

Harmonia Mundi - Herreweghe and Andreas Scholl

I’ve been listening Bach for ages and I must say this Mass is one of my favorites. It’s not just a Mass, it’s THE Mass in B minor, the only Bach’s Masses with Latin text.

Well, back to the past, the first contact I had with BWV232 was under Gustav Leonhardt conduction and it was magic, fabulous, incredible. Leonhardt has been my favorite Bach interpreter since I delighted myself with his performance of this Mass.

Many people will say that Richter’s record is better ‘cause this-or-that, well, I agree that Richter’s has without a doubt very impressive harmonics and gorgeous phrases, but, for me, the Orchestra is away too exaggerated: so many instruments, so heavy, so deeply dark. It’s not my style of Baroque.

I have two very fancy records of this impressive Mass and do love both of them. The first, as I said, is Leonhardt’s and the other one is Herreweghe’s. In fact, I think Herreweghe is doing a great job nowadays with Harmonia Mundi, Orchestre des Champs-Élysée, etc..

Talking about the Agnus Dei now! It’s almost the finale of the Mass; it’s almost the redemption; it’s almost closer to God as you were never before. Agnus Dei is Latin for Lamb of God; we’re telling everyone that He took away all sins of the World with His body and bloody (as you might guess ——> Jesus) and, at the same time, we’re asking him to have mercy of our life.

I should say that this Agnus Dei makes me believe in God everytime I hear it.

Hope you all enjoy it.