J. S. Bach: Matthäus-Passion BWV 244

• Cast: Fritz Wunderlich (Tenor Arias), Sir Peter Pears (Evangelist), Hermann Prey (Christus), Elly Ameling (Soprano Arias, First Maid, Pilate's Wife), Marga Höffgen (Alto Arias, Second Maid), Tom Krause (Bass Arias), Heinz Blankenburg (Petrus, High Priest, Pontius Pilatus), August Messthaler (Judas), Stuttgarter Hymnus-Chorknaben, Stuttgarter Kammerorchester, cond. Karl Münchinger

• The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs and Cassettes: "Muenchinger's direction does not attain the spiritual heights of an interpretation such as Klemperer's, but his version is consistently fresh and alert, and it has the degree of authenticity of its period (1965) - although much has happened to Bach performances since then. All the soloists are excellent, and the recording is first class." [on Decca 414 057-2]
• Tom Garrison, review at www.jsbach.org: "An extraordinarily beautiful version of the St. Matthew Passion combining Peter Pears at his best, Elly Ameling's brilliant clear voice, and a small orchestra using modern instruments. Slow, elegant, at times ethereal, a clear antidote to the roboBach we so often hear (and I so often like elsewhere). This set oscillates in and out of print, and may (I think) be special ordered. Absolutely worth the effort to find. Again: Pears, Prey, Ameling and Wunderlich in ONE place at ONE time the ultimate Bach with grace and style." [on Decca 414 057-2]
• George Murnu, review at www.jsbach.org: "I would have rather had Fritz Wunderlich singing the Evangelist, not the arias. Otherwise, a good middle-of-the road recording, not employing period instruments, neither huge orchestral and choral forces. The more intimate aspects of the story are particulrly well captured here." [on Decca 414 057-2]

If you know this recording, feel free to add your own comment!

	Decca Ovation 414 057-2 (3 CD)
	Decca SAWD 9937/40-A (4 LP)
	Decca MET 288-291 (4 LP, mono)
	Decca SET 288-291 (4 LP)
	Decca Ovation 414 057-1 (4 LP)
	Decca 6.35115 FK (4 LP)
	London OSA-1431 (4 LP)
	Decca Ovation 414 057-4 (3 MC)

Highlights on

	Belart 461 458-2
	Belart 461 467-2 ?
	Decca 448 689-2
	Decca LXT 6272
	Decca SXL 6272

Excerpts on

	Decca 443 379-2DM ("O Schmerz!; Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen" on "Ten Top Tenors 2")
	DG 472 113-2 (4 excertps on "Fritz Wunderlich Edition", 5 CD)

Fritz Wunderlich Discography