BACH: MASS IN B MINOR - BACH COLLEGIUM JAPAN, SUZUKI (2 HYBRID SACDS)

This is, as you would expect from Masaaki Suzuki, a B minor performance of extraordinary devotional weight, as its resonant surround sound irradiates the score in a patiently constructed explication. The reflective objectivity may seem a little too tantalising as the strangely uncharacterised 'Christe eleison' duet is dogged by the kind of over-regulated articulations in the strings from which Bach Collegium Japan can still suffer.
Yet, after the somewhat lugubrious Kyrie, the Gloria fairly crackles and Suzuki's careful voicing between singers and instrumentalists generates extraordinary revelations (such as the consoling beauty of the 'Qui tollis' and, later, a remarkable reading of the Sanctus). The choral movements are admirably unhurried but purposeful.
The solo movements are more variable: intonation takes time to settle early on, especially in the 'Laudamus te', and the 'Quoniam' is shorn of its eloquent grandeur in a prosaic romp, but 'Et in unum Dominum' reveals its expectant delights, as does Blaze's heart-stopping Agnus Dei.
Comparing this to Frieder Bernius's vital account with his Stuttgart forces (see below), the over-riding feeling with Suzuki is that generic beauty of sound, 'good judgement' and expert production (though the stereo picture is preferable to the undefined Super Audio) are collectively not quite enough. Preference remains with Bernius whose reverence for Bach's consummate compendium brings greater inner from the expert soloists here – just a touch more quality. Still, this is a rounded and impressive reading whose 'Dona nobis pacem' encapsulates the best of Suzuki: committed, life-affirming and generous. --Gramophone Magazine

Carolyn Sampson (soprano I), Rachel Nicholls (soprano II), Robin Blaze (alto), Gerd Türk (tenor) & Peter Kooij (bass)

Bach Collegium Japan, Masaaki Suzuki