I have several recordings of this work (all of the German version), including Karajan and Bernstein, both of which I like. I also participated in performances myself (violin). This recording on period instruments is top notch, the soloists are very good. First time I heard the introduction (Das Chaos) I was blown away, this is indeed the most intense "Chaos" I know, the choir "enters" in the most beautiful pianissimo I ever heard and when it finally "becomes light" ("Es werde Licht") the effect is breathtaking. A lot of the full price recordings won't reach the quality presented here - for this price. Excellent clear recording as well! Can't go wrong here.