Beethoven's Christ on the Mount of Olives is rarely performed or recorded, and is often criticized for its mixture of operatic and oratorio forms (which are not so different to begin with). However, it's a wonderful little piece that has more affinities with Mozart's Magic Flute than Bach's Passions. It includes a lovely duet (gorgeously sung here by Gedda and Deutekom), an even better trio, a neat little fugue, and an awesome choral number depicting the Roman soldiers capturing Jesus, which sounds like a German drinking song! Gedda sings a heroic Jesus with a voice that is both powerful and mellifluous. His performance is itself worth the price of the CD. Sotin and Deutekom (one of the most under-appreciated sopranos on record)are also excellent, and the orchestral playing conducted by Wangenheim is extremely spirited. Needless to say, I highly recommend this recording.

As is usual with the modern interpretations of Beethoven's music, this has one volume - too loud. There is a definite lack of subtlety in this recording so only if you are in love with the way odd numbered symphonies are recorded post Bernstein, you'll like this. Otherwise, steer clear,