Herrewhege never disappoints
I have found myself collecting one CD after another led by baroque specialist Phillipe Herrewhege. I'm a professional orchestral musician who disdained much of the "early music/authentic performance" genre because it often seemed mannered and the instrumentalists mediocre.
Not the case with Herrewhege's series of Bach cantatas and oratorios. His interepretations are heartfelt and sincere and never extreme in the ostensible baroque style traditions but rather always tastefully tipping their hat in that direction. The instrumentalists and singers are overwhelmingly outstanding by any standard. Sonically they are also a treat. Thanks to these recordings my iPod is dominated by Bach.