Bach's Mass in B Minor: What is best CD out there?


I would like to get the best sounding and performed version of this classic. I am interested in all opinions as to what that might be. Here are four that I know of: (1) Paul Shaw and Atlanta Symphony; (2) John Gardiner conducts; (3) Helmuth Rilling conducts; (4) Herman Scherchen and Vienna State Opera. All opinions and alternate recommendations are greatly appreciated!
shoff
back to the original QUESTION.
I have spent a lot of time listening to many of the versions recommended here. (btw Sugarbrie, thanks for the recommendation of 1 I have not heard: Leipzig Radio Chorus/Staatskapelle Orchestra, Dresden, conducted by Peter Schreier. I will search for it.)
all are very worth hearing. and the more you listen to different versions the more you know the piece, so re-listening to 1st you tried, 2 months later after discovering 5 more, is enlightening. you hear it with new ears! having said that, the single most incredible recording of the Mass that I've heard is the Thomas Hengelbrock (conducting the Balthasar Neumann Choir and the Barockorchester Freiburg) that Aida_w pointed out. as I wrote to a good friend after first hearing it:
"Good lord, I can't believe the Hengelbrock B Minor.
The interlacing of the voices with the instruments is unlike anything I've ever heard...
...the instruments sound more out front to me, as to be
in a perfect relationship with the voices."
I would only add that it stands for me as possibly the most amazing recorded performance of ANYTHING I've ever heard. no kidding: find it!
Though I agree with Sugarbrie and Aida on the sound of the "historical instrumentation" recordings (Hornoncourt and Gardiner), I have to agree with Mrwigglewm's recommendation on the Bach here. The Herreweghe recording does not sound like other "orginal intrument" orchestras. But you definetly do not want the orchestra to present the music with the expression like a Beethoven symphony, like a modern orchestra. Bach did not write for large orchestra. Herreweghe's conducting definetly draws you into the music and time stops. Aida's recommendation of the Hengelbrook/Barockorchestra definetly looks worth checking out as another "must-have". The Schreier/Leipzig may be of interest as well. Tweekerman
Hogwood and Pinnock are the other 2 "authentic" recordings that just don't do anything for me. Tweekerman
Schreier/Leipzig takes the Gold. The Leipzig chorus is definetly better than the Herreweghe. Schreier's recording is pleasing in all areas. Now Sugarbrie's recommendation on Philpls label i did not like much. The one i prefered is on Berlin Classics 2123. Its a deferent orchestra and chorus. His recording of the Mozart Requiem on Philips I did not like that much either. Tweek
Thanks to everyone for your responses. I'm quite new to classical and therefore greatly apreciate all of your comments and recommendations. I think I'll request 2 or 3 from inter-library loan and then purchase the one thatI like best. Thanks again!
Steve H