Bach Matthaus Passion

Ethannnn the second question is easy: in Bach's passions, Matthaus=Matthew. As to best... that's a tough one. I would go for Klemperer/Philramonia Orch & Chorus & a nice cast of voices (EMI - 1961 recording/both vinyl & cd).
There's a much touted version on Teldec with N Harnoncourt that I must mention (childrens' choir, etc).

You might also be tempted by Bach's Mass in B Minor. IMO, this is a piece where, as far as I know, none of the recorded offerings are totally adequate. You may want to pick up the J-E Gardiner version on Archiv, & take it from there. This has been lauded as "the greatest piece of music". Whatever... I hope you like it!

Thanks Gregm, I was lucky to find a copy of Matthaus Passion from Archiv at my local record shop (The Analog Room) for $9 and it sounds amazing! I have the Teldec recording on cd and will never listen to it again. I asked about your recommendation, Mass in B Minor and apparently there's a reissue available. If it anything like Matthaus Passion, I cant wait to hear it!

Those are good choices above. If you want some alternatives:

For St. Matthew: Leipzig Radio Choir, Staatskapelle Dresden, directed by Peter Scheier.
Philips 412 527-2

For B Minor Mass: Also a Leipzig, Scheier, etal
Philips 432 972-2

And...Academy St. Martin, Neville Marriner
Philips 432-972-2

Then you can move on to the St. John Passion and the Christmas Oratorio

I've got those on my wish list now. Any recommendations for Organ music? I noticed Bach has several and I'd like to hear what an organ sounds like on my system. The composer does not have to be Bach.

Thanks,