Eugen Jochum: Choral Recordings On Philips

Eugen Jochum's complete recordings of choral / sacred music for Philips collected together for the first time. Includes the rare Rudolf Mengelberg Magnificat.

This Eloquence box is offered as a companion to Jochum's complete orchestral recordings for Philips. It is enhanced by some of the finest Bach singers of their day – Ernst Haefliger, Walter Berry and Agnes Giebel notable among them – and the superb principals of the Concertgebouw such as Han de Vries (oboe), Hubert Barwahser (flute) and Anner Bijlsma (cello), all of whom went on to pursue careers as solo-musicians. The Christmas Oratorio and The Creation feature the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and local choirs, with whom Jochum had enjoyed a fruitful relationship since becoming their principal conductor in 1949.

"This performance is shaped by a first-class musician. The choral lines, as for example in the great fugue of the Kyrie, are moulded with loving care … The orchestra is unfailingly eloquent, and special praise is due to the various instrumental soloists." High Fidelity, October 1958 (Bach: Mass in B minor)

"A soft gently and dignified approach to the score that stresses its contemplative aspects." Choral Music on Record, 1991 (Bach: Mass in B minor)

"Jochum has apparently chosen the 'big' approach. And yet, despite the size of his performing bodies, he has avoided the pitfall of having them get lost in a mass of sound, by the expedient of keeping them moving." Stereo Review, December 1958 (Bach: Mass in B minor)