I am a professional musician--primarily orchestral-- who at first shunned so-called period performances when "authenticity" became the trend in baroque music. Frequently this label was a euphemism for out-of-tune, tonally dubious playing with exaggerated gestures. Since then the standard has become higher, but I never thought I would prefer this style as I do those of Philippe Herreweghe and his group. This was the first one I discovered and I never tire of listening to it. I listen on my home system, on my iPod, when I use my treadmill....The singers and instrumentalists are always on the highest level, but most of all there is so much life, feeling and intimacy in the playing and singing. This is among my favorite all-time recordings.