Karl Richter - Bach: Matthäus-Passion (1979) [2021 3xSACD Vintage Collection]

The world's first SA-CD of the last Matthew Passion left by Karl Richter (1926.10.15-1981.2.15). While his first recording, 1958, was so famous, this 1979 recording, recorded two years before his death, was almost forgotten. Hiding in the shadow of the 1958 edition, which has been re-released many times, there are voices saying that they want to make it "never existed". On the other hand, it is also true that at the time it was released, the period approach was becoming mainstream, including Harnoncourt, and in that era, there was an aspect that had to be evaluated as "a thing of the past." The listeners at the time, who expected the performance to sublimate the direction originally shown in the old version according to the times, would rather have seemed to have degenerated. Certainly, it cannot be denied that at that time there was doubt as to whether this interpretation would be appropriate for modern instruments. After the 1958 edition, Richter recorded a video in 1971 with a live performance in Japan in 1969. Perhaps it can be said that Richter, who was not completely satisfied with his performance, continued to challenge Matthew, aiming for even higher heights (Mr. However, instead of being stoic and strict, his music seems to have undergone an anguished transformation into a more harmonious world, into a state of harmony and harmonious performance. Furthermore, as it becomes the second half, you can hear the performance sinking so much that its weight sinks into your body. At that time, the true value of this 1979 edition, which was also received as an exhausted Richter image, should now be explored. At that time Richter assembled the best possible members. Hetzel and Nicolet are credited to his mother's Munich Bach Orchestra. In addition, Manfred Clement, the oboe master of the time (former principal player of the Bavarian State Opera), began playing with the Munich Bach Orchestra in 1959. Since 1980, he has been appointed principal of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra at the request of Kubelik. Also recorded R. Strauss Oboe Concerto under conductor (EMI). Also, the singers are the best cast of the time by Richter, the Evangelist by Schreier, Jesus by F=Dieskau, etc. are a splendid lineup. In any case, there is no change in the fact that the performance left here is Richter's "final answer". Through this recording, we can relive what Richter wanted to embody, what he wanted to pass on to future generations, and his views on music. On this occasion 40 years after his death, Richter's last Matthew, who died at the age of 54, was revived with the best sound quality. Why don't you listen to it as a good timing to face it in more detail and more strictly?

*As it is a machine translation, the result may not provide an accurate description.
Please use it only as a reference.


Tracks:

DISC1
Part 1

DISC2
Part 1 (continued), Part 2

DISC3
Part 2 (continued)

Personnel:

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, baritone
Edith MAthis, soprano
Janet Baker, alto
Matti Salminen, bass
Peter Schreier, tenor
Münchener Bach-Orchester
conducted by Karl Richter

Recorded: 1979, Herkulessaal, München