The Sixteen, the ensemble performing on this recording, is recognized as one of the world's greatest ensembles, with a special reputation for early English polyphony, Renaissance, Baroque, and early classical music.
Compositional Technique
Bach frequently reused his own musical material, a practice known as self-plagiarism, and the Lutheran Masses are a prime example of this artistry.
Compositional Technique
Bach's Lutheran Masses extensively use parody technique, where 20 out of 24 movements in the four masses (BWV 233-6) are parodies of earlier cantata movements.
Critical Reception
Early critical reception of the Lutheran Masses was not always positive; 19th-century critics like Spitta and Schweitzer dismissed them as 'mindless adaptations' or 'perfunctory'.
Recording & Production
This recording was made possible by the generous support of several donors, including Michael Keays, Tim Lewis, and Sir Martin Smith.
Interpretation
The conductor, Harry Christophers, decided to use a solo voice approach for Bach's Lutheran Masses, with two voices per part in the choruses, to support the demanding vocal lines.
Performer Biography
Harry Christophers, the conductor, was appointed Artistic Director of Boston's Handel and Haydn Society in 2008 and is an Honorary Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford.
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