The Bach is model of how large ensemble performances of this music ought to go, should some enterprising conductor care to revive this now forgotten practice in our authenticity-crazed times.
Textures are transparent, and the conducting is alert, straighforward, and unaffected.
Mravinsky's sole concession to authenticity is the presence of a harpsichord, which is only intermittently audible and certainly not missed when it disappears into the background. The Leningrad ensemble produces a rich and lovely sound in this music, and their playing is especially notable for its precision and joyous abandon. Occasional audience noise indicates a live performance, but this crowd is neither intrusive nor irritating. Unfortunately, the well-deserved applause at end is abruptly cut off rather than faded out, but that is a minor irritation. Strongly recommended for the adventurous - and for other heretics like me who actually want to hear symphony orchestras play the cornerstones of the baroque repertory.