Which is the best recording of Bach's Mass in B mi

Megasam,

My conducting was not very glamorous. I was a choral music director for 15 years at the high school level before I was demoted to principal. I directed many "Messiah's" and Bach Cantata's, but never my favourite, the Mass in B Minor. In fact, I've never performed it. I've always lived in a rural area and just never had the opportunity. I will get the Gardiner/Archiv Mass and also the Monterverdi. I'll let you know how I like it.

The Monteverdi "vespers" was recorded in St Marks cathederal in Venice Italy, there are sections featuring vocals from upper balcony of cathederal that literally sound like voices from the heavens......very impressive.

Please keep us posted on your findings. Also Gardiner/Archiv series has other major Bach liturgical works that generally are very good overall choices.

My favourites:
(1) Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, Gardiner
Archiv (1985)
(2) Bach Ensemble, Rifkin
Nonesuch (1982)

I just got done listening to the Gardner/Archiv Monteverdi. The recording is great. I can hear the voices much better. Thank you for all your advice. I can't wait until the "Mass" comes. By the way, are there any suggestions for speakers that work well with choral music? In my short time with this hobby, I'm finding it difficult to find speakers that sound good with choral music, especially with orchestral accompaniment. I've auditioned PSB, B&W, Magnapan(sp), Paradigm, ProAc, and Thiel in the $1,500 to $2,500 range. Any suggestions?

Regarding your request for speaker suggestions, what might be helpful is some feedback on what you liked and disliked about the various speakers you've already auditioned. Also, should we assume your indicated price range is what you want to spend on speakers? Are you open to purchasing used?

Reason I ask (and disclaimer) - I have a pair of Magnepan 3.5r's - which are physically similar to their current $4,500 list model but fall into the sub-$2K range used. I also listened to Paradigm, B&W and Thiel and far preferred the Maggies. But that's just me.

The speakers you mention all have significant differences in strengths and weaknesses. Not to mention that planars (i.e., Maggie, Martin Logan, Quad ESL, etc.) and dynamics will present acoustic music with quite different results.

If you could elucidate on your audition experience, it might help us make some more informed suggestions for your continuing audition.

As a point of reference, I would note the larger Maggies are an order of magnitude better for large scale orchestral and choral than the smaller 1.6QR's you may have auditioned. As well as, IMHO, the other brand's models you probably heard.