gorillatone :
> Any opinions/insights about this choral piece

The Cantata Profana, Sz 94, is one of Bartok's greatest pieces. Listen at it
carrefully !

> favourite recordings, ect...
> I have been listening to the Robert Shaw recording

I don't know this recording. But, preferentialy, look at this recording :

Ferencsik János conducting the Budapest National Orchestra
with Faragó András (as bass) and Réti József (as tenor)
and, I think, Forrai Miklós conducting the choir.
Hungaroton.

Riwall