I can say next to nothing about the Cantatas, in reply to Peter Herwitz,
and about Rifkin only that my public library's got a copy of his version
of the Mass in B minor (Erato, 1982 rec.), and it rocks.  His approach
shows fine results indeed in this Bach work.

'Though a Bach junkie, the Mass in b is relatively new to me, so maybe
I'm not much of a source for a persuasive case supporting Rifkin and in
the debate about solo voices vs the choral approach.  But I have listened
closely to about five of the biggest conductors doing the Mass, am pleased
I managed to get Giulini's live version on BBC ...but still wish for a
copy of Rifkin's!

Bert Bailey

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