Magnificat

"There are some really sumptuous sonorities in this music and the temptation in performance must sometimes be to overplay them. That is never the case here though, as the careful balance between expression and restraint seems very well judged throughout".

Read review

"Willens and his Cologne forces do it [the Magnificat] proud, more closely recorded than a highly regarded rival (an Editor's Choice nearly a decade ago) and with a prominent harpsichord continuo that clatters enthusiastically in the livelier music. The soloists acquit themselves admirably, Hanna Herfurtner especially a creamy-sounding soprano in 'Quia respexit' ... The couplings are both occasional works ... performed with suitable verve and closes this enticing programme in rousing fashion".

"Vitality is the essential ingredient of the performances recorded here ... Elizabeth Watts shapes her phrases beautifully with a sure sense of direction ... The four choruses are of exceptional quality ... The orchestral writing ... is so rich and expressive ... The strings curl and release like coiled whips ... very fast, very nervy ... Thrilling stuff".

"Vurdering: Editor's choice" - "Rademann and his Berlin forces make the strongest possible case for it [Magnificat], with frest, athletic choral singing, playing of crackling, fizzing energy and excellent solo work ... This is the finest recording of CPE's choral masterpiece I have heard ... Looks set to be one of the discs of the CPE anniversary year".