David Stewart asks for reccomends. There will probably be a slew of them, by people more knowledgeable about different versions than I. But... Personally, I was introduced to the SMP with the Gardiner and I like it a lot. The Harnoncourt IIRC is -way- slower, and although Bach's wonderful harmonies are drawn out the motion is lost a little...Gardiner does use boy sopranos for the ripieno parts, but the chorus is mixed. I also hear the Herreweghe is good but I don't know it as well. The opening chorus should, as you say, convince anyone that this grand work is worth getting to know intimately. Bob K.