Thielemann generally favours lively tempos and a lightness of touch. Details are clear and he elicits a remarkable luminosity from the substantial forces, making this a deeply engaging account...The chorus is impressive and the soloists well matched.

The orchestra is beautifully balanced internally, with splendid trombones when they enter in the Credo...The big choir, too, sings gloriously over a wide dynamic range. Climaxes are overwhelming but with Christian Thielemann always creating supple phrasing and expressive use of light and shade...Video director Michael Beyer covers the performance most effectively and above all lets us watch the faces of the dedicated performers