Bach: Magnificat; Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen
The flashy, kaleidoscopicMagnificatremains one of Bach's most  popular works, and this is one of its best recordings. John Eliot Gardiner  directs a performance full of energy: his crackerjack choir and orchestra sail  through the trickiest passages at high speed without sounding at all rushed or  uncomfortable. The soloists are fine, with especially lovely singing from Nancy  Argenta, Patrizia Kwella, and Charles Brett in the trio "Suscepit  Israel." Also on this disc is the finest available version of theJauchzet Gott in allen LandenCantata. Emma Kirkby sings with all the  purity of one of Bach's boys and all the assurance of an expert adult. She and  trumpeter Crispian Steele-Perkins hurtle fearlessly through this famously  difficult piece, high notes and long, fast runs holding no terrors for them.--Matthew Westphal