I've heard Gardiner's recording, and it is exhilirating. But I live with Marriner's. The choral work is brisk and clear, with tempi not much slower than Gardiner. But the ASMF don't sound like they're working so hard. They're really having fun. Also, it's hard for me to imagine a better Hanne than Edith Mathis or a Simon that D. Fischer-Dieskau. The sound is excellent, and it comes at half the price of Gardiner's set.