As with the other two discs of Passion cantatas, the interpretations are sensitive and precise. The tempos are flowing, not rushed, and the intonation of both chorus and instruments excellent. While there may be a limited market for Graupner’s myriad of cantatas, this is one disc well worth having.

The Philadelphia players for Sawallisch give taut performances that simply outclass the competition. Another plus point is the unusual running order that achieves a better musical balance, starting with the most brilliant piece, the Symphonic Metamorphosis, and increasing in weight to the resounding brass Alleluias at the climax of the Mathis Symphony. EMI's sound is relatively recessed. Given the spacious acoustic of Memorial Hall and the conductor's largeness of vision this is entirely apposite, with no loss of detail.

There is every reason to welcome this third volume with the same enthusiasm as the previous discs... I can hardly wait to see the completion of this project.

An ideal introduction to Hindemith's world...Sawallisch conducts highly persuasive performances which find the Philadelphia Orchestra at its incomparable best.