Janowski's unfussy, clearly laid out performances, with the Dresden Staatskapelle on superlative form, may lack the sweep and energy of Solti's, or the compelling beauty of Karajan's, but they still have much to recommend them… Jessye Norman, then at the height of her vocal powers, is a rich-toned Sieglinde.

The Staatskapelle Dresden plays spotlessly for Marek Janowski … An excellent 'Ring' experience." Das Rheingold is dominated by Siegfried Nimsgern's vibrant, articulate Alberich, Peter Schreier's wonderfully vital, strikingly intelligent and articulate Loge and Theo Adam's experienced Wotan. But Fricka, the Giants and Rhinemaidens are all well cast, and the whole performance grips one's attention from start to finish.

Oratorios were to become Handelís favorite form of composition from the late 1730ís onward, and of the impressive series of works written during the last two decades of his life the oratorio Judas Maccabaeus was the most successful of this genre, eclipsing even The Messiah in popularity. Handel and librettist Reverend Thomas Morell drew upon the story of the revolt of the Israelites in 168 B.C. against the decree of Antiochus IV forbidding the practice of their religion, focusing on Judas Maccabaeus, the fearless supreme commander in the battle for freedom.

Kurt Redel conducts unaffectedly but with passion and is beautifully supported in this with an excellent orchestra and beautifully balanced choir of faultless intonation. The story moves at a good pace as the the tragedy unfolds and is interspersed with some stunning arias, many of them affording moments of still reflection as is befitting for a passion. The singers are faultless and often superb with Sena Jurinac at the height of her artistry, Theo Altmeyer a fine evangelist who knows how to tell a story. Franz Crass always was a lovely, musical singer with a well-rounded, rich voice.

Bachs Passions and other great choral works in performances with the Staatskapelle Dresden under the masterly direction of Peter Schreier who also sings the role of the Evangelist. Schreiers aim in Bach interpretation is to bring new lightness without following the full dictates of authentic performance, and in this he succeeds superbly. The recording is first rate, with the choral forces well separated.