This 1985 recording from the Chicago Symphany with James Levine conducting is simply superb. The parts work very well together: choirs, vocals, orchestra, directing... timing, etc. The singing and playing are crisp, lively and interesting. The director clearly has meditated on the composition, bringing out the many contrasts that the composer has written into the piece. We have an album of geniuses. Compare this album to others... and this one stand out.