Bach: Christmas Cantatas

ClassicsToday.com, David Vernier, 9/9
"...the overwhelming joy of this set is in the vividly expressive, dynamic choral singing..."

Product Description:
Assembled on this well-documented three-CD set are all of the Bach cantatas for the period from Christmas to Epiphany. Cantata BWV 190 "Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied," has been reconstructed by Ton Koopman for this recording.

Tracks:

Christen, Atzet Diesen Tag, BWV63: 1. Christen, Atzet Diesen Tag In Metall Und Marmorsteine - The Monteverdi Chor
Christen, Atzet Diesen Tag, BWV63: 2. Recitative: O Selger Tag! O Ungemeines Heute - Sara Mingardo
Christen, Atzet Diesen Tag, BWV63: 3. Duet: Gott, Du Hast Es Wohl Gefuget - Ann Monoyios/Stephan Loges
Christen, Atzet Diesen Tag, BWV63: 4. Recitative: So Kehret Sich Nun Heut Das Bange Leid - Rufus Muller
Christen, Atzet Diesen Tag, BWV63: 5. Duet: Ruft Und Fleht Den Himmel An - Sara Mingardo/Rufus Muller
Christen, Atzet Diesen Tag, BWV63: 6. Recitative: Verdoppelt Euch Demnach, Ihr Heissen... - Stephan Loges
Christen, Atzet Diesen Tag, BWV63: 7. Hochster, Schau In Gnaden An - The Monteverdi Chor
Sehet, Welch Eine Liebe Hat Uns Der Vater Erzeiget, BWV64: 1. Sehet, Welch Eine Liebe Hat... - The Monteverdi Chor
Sehet, Welch Eine Liebe Hat Uns Der Vater Erzeiget, BWV64: 2. Chorale: Das Hat Er Alles Uns Getan - The Monteverdi Chor
Sehet, Welch Eine Liebe Hat Uns Der Vater Erzeiget, BWV64: 3. Recitative: Geh, Welt! Behalte Nur... - Sara Mingardo
Sehet, Welch Eine Liebe Hat Uns Der Vater Erzeiget, BWV64: 4. Chorale: Was Frag Ich Nach Der Welt - The Monteverdi Chor
Sehet, Welch Eine Liebe Hat Uns Der Vater Erzeiget, BWV64: 5. Aria: Was Die Welt In Sich Halt - Ann Monoyios
Sehet, Welch Eine Liebe Hat Uns Der Vater Erzeiget, BWV64: 6. Recitative: Der Himmel Bleibet Mir... - Stephan Loges
Sehet, Welch Eine Liebe Hat Uns Der Vater Erzeiget, BWV64: 7. Aria: Von Der Welt Verlang Ich Nichts - Sara Mingardo
Sehet, Welch Eine Liebe Hat Uns Der Vater Erzeiget, BWV64: 8. Chorale: Gute Nacht, O Wesen - The Monteverdi Chor
Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon, BWV121: 1. Chorale: Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon - The Monteverdi Chor
Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon, BWV121: 2. Aria: O Du Von Gott Erhohte Kreatur - Rufus Muller
Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon, BWV121: 3. Recitative: Der Gnade Unermesslichs Wesen - Sara Mingardo
Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon, BWV121: 4. Aria: Johannis Freudenvolles Springen - Stephan Loges
Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon, BWV121: 5. Recitative: Doch Wie Erblickt Es Dich In Deiner Krippe? - Ann Monoyios
Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon, BWV121: 6. Chorale: Lob, Ehr Und Dank Sei Dir Gesagt - The Monteverdi Chor
Ich Freue Mich in Dir, BWV133: 1. Chorale: Ich Freue Mich in Dir - The Monteverdi Chor
Ich Freue Mich in Dir, BWV133: 2. Aria: Getrost! Es Fasst Ein Heilger Leib - Derek Lee Ragin
Ich Freue Mich in Dir, BWV133: 3. Recitative: Ein Adam Mag Sich Voller Schrecken - Julian Podger
Ich Freue Mich in Dir, BWV133: 4. Aria: Wie Lieblich Klingt Es In Den Ohren - Katharine Fuge
Ich Freue Mich in Dir, BWV133: 5. Recitative: Wohlan, Des Todes Furcht Und Schmerz - Gotthold Schwarz
Ich Freue Mich in Dir, BWV133: 6. Chorale: Wohlan, So Will Ich Mich - The Monteverdi Chor

Customer Reviews:

Joyful Bach!.......2006-11-10

This recording of Four of Bach's Christmas Cantatas shows the listener some of his most joyful music. Sir John Eliot Gardiner and the Montiverdi
Choir and the English Baroque Soloists deliver the goods on every selection. My personal favorte is BWV 63 "Christen atzet diesen Tag"
These recordings are part of the DG Archiv series of Bach Cantata Pilgrimage recordings, which for reasons of Money, et al, discontinued.
So Sir John and company decided to start their own label SDG or Soli Deo
Gloria which is working hard to record the rest of the cantatas from the
pilgrimage. The cantata are performed on Authentic Instruments, but do not
sound like an academic excersise in performance, instead they sound like
a celebration of Bach's music and spiritually. I can easily recommend the
entire series of recordings on both labels. Also their DVD of Bach's "
Christmas Oratorio" on Arthaus is a must have item, and a great compliment
to these recordings.

Great Series!!!.......2002-11-26

This Christmas cantata volume is the crown jewel of the Monteverdi Choir's series of complete Bach cantatas. The opening chorus of the first cantata on this CD is what heaven must sound like. Unlike a few recordings I've heard of these cantatas where the instruments overpower the voices, John Gardiner does a great job of balancing out the orchestra and choir. I listened to this CD constantly when I first got it. Buy the Monteverdi Choir's disk with the Advent cantatas to supplement this superb recording.

Engrave this performance in your mind!.......2000-12-23

If you like Bach and are a fan of Gardiner, you'll love this recording! The words to the opening cantata, when translated into English, read: "Christians, engrave this day(Christmas)in metal and marbel..." In this opening cantata, Bach, as no other composer can, paints a vivid musical picture of a hammer hitting a chisle(timpani) on metal(trumpets). Gardiner, the English Boroque Soloists, and the Monteverdi Choir, offer a performance of the Christmas Cantatas that will be "engraved" in the listener's mind even after the Christmas season.

Average customer rating:

Bach: Christmas Cantatas
Bach , Rilling , and Bach Collegium Stuttgart
Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Cantata BWV 1
Cantata BWV 61
Cantata BWV 36

Tracks:

Cantata BWV 132
Cantata BWV 62
Cantata BWV 91

Tracks:

Cantata BWV 110
Cantata BWV 121
Cantata BWV 133

Tracks:

Cantata BWV 122
Cantata BWV 190
Cantata BWV 153
Cantata BWV 65

Average customer rating:

Christmas Cantatas

Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B00001W08S
Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

BWV 40 - Cantata For The Second Day Of Christmas: Chorus: Dazu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes
BWV 40 - Cantata For The Second Day Of Christmas: Recitative (Tenor): Das Wort ward Fleisch
BWV 40 - Cantata For The Second Day Of Christmas: Chorale: Die Sund macht Leid
BWV 40 - Cantata For The Second Day Of Christmas: Aria (Bass): Hollische Schlange
BWV 40 - Cantata For The Second Day Of Christmas: Recitative (Alto): Die Schlange, so im Paradies
BWV 40 - Cantata For The Second Day Of Christmas: Chorale: Schuttle deinen Kopf und sprich
BWV 40 - Cantata For The Second Day Of Christmas: Aria (Tenor): Christenkinder, freuet euch!
BWV 40 - Cantata For The Second Day Of Christmas: Chorale: Jesu, nimm dich deiner Glieder
BWV 133 - Cantata For Third Day Of Christmas: Chorus: Ich freue mich in dir
BWV 133 - Cantata For Third Day Of Christmas: Aria (Alto): Getrost! es fasst ein heil' ger Leib
BWV 133 - Cantata For Third Day Of Christmas: Recitative (Tenor): Ein Adam maf sich voller Schrecken
BWV 133 - Cantata For Third Day Of Christmas: Aria (Soprano): Wie lieblich klingt es in den Ohren
BWV 133 - Cantata For Third Day Of Christmas: Recitative (Bass): Wohlan, des Todes Furcht und Schmerz
BWV 133 - Cantata For Third Day Of Christmas: Chorale: Wohlan, so will ich mich
BWV 151 - Cantata For The Third Day Of Christmas: Aria (Soprano): Susser Trost, mein Jesus kommt
BWV 151 - Cantata For The Third Day Of Christmas: Recitative (Bass): Erfreue dich, mein Herz
BWV 151 - Cantata For The Third Day Of Christmas: Aria (Alto): In Jesu Demut kann ich Trost
BWV 151 - Cantata For The Third Day Of Christmas: Recitative (Tenor): Du teurer Gottessohn
BWV 151 - Cantata For The Third Day Of Christmas: Chorale: Heut schleusst er wieder auf die Tur
BWV 65 - Cantata For Epiphany: Chorus: Sie werden aus Saba alle kommen
BWV 65 - Cantata For Epiphany: Chorale: Die Kon'ge aus Saba kamen dar
BWV 65 - Cantata For Epiphany: Recitative (Bass): Was dort Jesaias vorhergesehn
BWV 65 - Cantata For Epiphany: Aria (Bass): Gold aus Ophir ist zu schlecht
BWV 65 - Cantata For Epiphany: Recitative (Tenor): Verschmahe nicht, du, meiner Seele Licht
BWV 65 - Cantata For Epiphany: Aria (Tenor): Nimm mich dir zu eigen hin
BWV 65 - Cantata For Epiphany: Chorale: Ei nun, mein Gott, so fall ich dir

Average customer rating:

Profoundly moving. Unqualifiedly recommended.

Bach, Handel: Solo Cantatas, etc.

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Very Best of Janet Baker

ASIN: B00005B5NN
Release Date: 2001-07-03

Tracks:

Cant No.82 'Ich Habe Genug': Aria: Ich Habe Genug
Cant No.82 'Ich Habe Genug': Recitative: Ich Habe Genug
Cant No.82 'Ich Habe Genug': Aria: Schlummert Ein
Cant No.82 'Ich Habe Genug': Recitative: Mein Gott! Wann Kommt Das Schone, Nun!
Cant No.82 'Ich Habe Genug': Aria: Ich Freue Mich Auf Meinen Tod
Cant No.169 'Gott Soll Alein Mein Herze Haben': Sinf - Bath Festival Orch/Yehudi Menuhin
Cant No.169 'Gott Soll Alein Mein Herze Haben': Arioso: Gott Soll Allein Mein Herze Haben
Cant No.169 'Gott Soll Alein Mein Herze Haben': Aria: Gott Soll Allein Mein Herze Haben
Cant No.169 'Gott Soll Alein Mein Herze Haben': Recitative: Was Ist Die Liebe Gottes?
Cant No.169 'Gott Soll Alein Mein Herze Haben': Aria: Stirb In Mir
Cant No.169 'Gott Soll Alein Mein Herze Haben': Recitative: Doch Meint Es Auch Dabei
Cant No.169 'Gott Soll Alein Mein Herze Haben': Chorale: Du Susse Liebe, Schenk' Uns Deine Gunst
Christmas Oratorio: Bereite Dich, Zion
Cant No.190; Lobe, Zion, Deinen Gott
Cant No.129: Gelobet Sei Der Herr
Cant No.34: Wohl Euch, Ihr Auserwahlten Seelen
Magnificat in D: Et Exultavit
Cant No.11: Ach, Bleibe Doch

Tracks:

Bist Du Bei Mir
St. John Passion: Es Ist Vollbracht
Cant No.6: Hochgelobter Gottesohn
Cant No.161: Komm, Du Susse Todesstunde
Easter Orotorio: Saget, Saget Mir Geschwinde
Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Sinf - ASMF/Neville Marriner
Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Aria: Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio
Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Recitative: Non Sdegnerai D'amor
Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Aria: Di Quel Bel Che Il Ciel Ti Diede
Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Recitative: Balena Il Cielo
Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Aria: Per Trofei Di Mia Costanza
Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Recitative: Dietro L'orme Fugaci
Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Aria: Ah! Crudel, E Pur Ten Vai
Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Recitative: Per Te Mi Struggo, Infido
Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Aria: Venti, Fermate
Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Recitative: Ma Che Parlo, Che Dico?
Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Aria: In Tanti Affanni Miei

Amazon.com

Dame Janet Baker's fans will need no prompting. Others won't, either, after sampling one of the great mezzos of our time in classic recordings of great music to which she brought a voice of individuality and beauty, as well as peerless interpretive gifts. These selections are made the more moving by the tear in Baker's voice, her richly personal timbre, and her absolute mastery of music and texts. Everything on these ample discs dates from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, when Baker was at her peak. The Bach cantatas are led by Yehudi Menuhin; the mezzo version of "Ich hab genug" is brighter in tone than the more familiar one for bass-baritone, but Baker's dignified reading fully captures the spirit of the piece. In the arias, her partner is Neville Marriner, and Handel's dramatic Italian Cantatas are firmly supported by their arranger, Raymond Leppard. Listeners used to male altos or period instruments will find their preferences challenged by the sheer artistry on display here. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Profoundly moving. Unqualifiedly recommended........2003-01-17

The Bach cantatas on this disc are both unusual. "Ich habe genug" is usually sung by baritones, but Bach's intentions as shown in the autograph score are less than clear: the autograph begins for soprano, but the first movement is not completed; the second version of the first movement is for alto; but the final version is for bass. At any rate, it makes you listen to this magnificent music afresh to hear it sung by a different voice-type than usually heard. "Gott soll allein" is a wonderful cantata that features an organ obbligato part in several movements instead of a violin or wind instrument.

Then there is the collection of arias. Bach wrote some truly beautiful music for the alto voice, expressive and heartfelt. Although many of these arias tend to the reflective, there is no routine here. Particularly remarkable is the drama of "Es ist vollbracht" from the St. John Passion. Baker conveys the negative meaning of the words "it is finished" at the beginning, then rips through the section that foreshadows the Resurrection ("Der held von Juda"). But when she returns to the first phrase she conveys the alternate meaning of the words--"It is accomplished." Yes, it is sung softly and slowly, but there is a quality of the voice that is triumphant. Wow!

Tracks:

Chorus: 'Ich Freue Mich In Dir'
Aria: 'Getrost! Es Fasst Ein Heilger Leib'
Recitative: 'Ein Adam Mag Sich Voller Schrecken'
Aria: 'Wie Lieblich Klingt Es In Den Ohren'
Recitative: 'Wohlan! Des Todes Furcht Und Schmerz'
Chorale: 'Wohlan, So Will Ich Mich'
Chorale: 'Gelobet Seist Du, Jesu Christ'
Recitative And Chorale: 'Der Glanz Der Hochsten Herrlichkeit'
Aria: 'Gott, Dem Der Erden Kreis Zu Klein'
Recitative: 'O Christenheit!'
Aria: 'Die Armut, So Gott Auf Sich Nimmt'
Chorale: 'Das Hat Er Alles Uns Getan'
Chorus: 'Christen, Atzet Diesen Tag'
Recitative: 'O Selger Tag! O Ungemeines Heute'
Aria: 'Gott, Du Hast Es Wohl Gefuget'
Recitative: 'So Kehret Sich Nun Heut Das Bange Leid'
Aria: 'Ruft Und Fleht Den Himmel An'
Recitative: 'Verdoppelt Euch Demnach'
Chorus: 'Hochster, Schau In Gnaden An'
Chorus: 'Danzu Ist Erschienen Der Sohn Gottes'
Recitative: 'Das Wort War Fleisch'
Chorale: 'Die Sund Macht Leid'
Aria: 'Hollische Schlange'
Recitative: 'Die Schlange, So Im Paradies'
Chorale: 'Schuttle Deinen Kopf Und Sprich
Aria: 'Christenkinder, Freuet Euch'
Chorale: 'Nimm Dich Deiner Gleider'

Tracks:

Chorale: 'Das Neugeborne Kindelein'
Aria: 'O Menschen, Die Ihr Taglich Sundigt'
Recitative: 'Die Engel, Welche Sich Zuvor'
Aria: 'Ist Gott Versohnst Und Unser Freund'
Recitative: 'Dies Ist Ein Tag'
Choral: 'Es Bringt Das Rechte Jubeljahr'
Chorus: 'Gloria In Excelsis Deo'
Duet: 'Gloria Patri Et Filio'
Chorus: 'Sicut Erat In Principio'
Chorus: 'Sehet, Welch Eine Liebe Hat Uns Der Vater Erzeiget'
Chorale: 'Da Hat Er Alles Uns Getan'
Recitative: 'Geh, Welt! Behalte Nur Das Deine'
Chorale: 'Was Frag Ich Nach Der Welt'
Aria: 'Was Die Welt In Sich Halt'
Recitative: 'Der Himmel Bleibet Mir Gewiss'
Aria: 'Von Der Welt Verlang Ich Nichts'
Chorale: 'Gute Nacht, O Wesen'
Chorus: 'Christum Wir Sollen Loben Schon'
Aria: 'O Du Von Gott Erhohte Kreatur'
Recitative: 'Der Gnade Unermesslichs Wesen'
Aria: 'Johannis Freudenvolles Springen'
Recitative: 'Doch Wie Erblickt Es Dich In Deiner Krippe?'
Chorale: 'Lob, Ehr Und Dank Sei Dir Gesagt'

Tracks:

Sinfonia
Aria: 'Tritt Auf Die Glaubensbahn!'
Recitative: 'Der Heiland Ist Gesetzt'
Aria: 'Stein, Der Uber Alle Schatze'
Recitative: 'Es Argre Sich Die Kluge Welt'
Duet: 'Wie Soll Ich Dich, Liebster Der Seelen'
Chorus: 'Jesu, Nun Sei Gepreiset'
Aria: 'Lass Uns, O Hochster Gott'
Recitative: 'Ach! Deine Hand, Dein Segen Muss Allein'
Aria: 'Woferne Du Den Edlen Frieden'
Recitative: 'Doch Weil Der Feind'
Choral: 'Dein Ist Allein Die Ehre'
Chorus: 'Singet Dem Herrn Ein Neues Lied'
Recitative And Chorale: 'Herr Gott, Dich Loben Wir!'
Aria: 'Lobe, Zion, Deinen Gott'
Recitative: 'Es Wunsche Sich Die Welt'
Aria: 'Jesus Soll Mein Alles Sein'
Recitative: 'Nun, Jesus, Gebe, Dass Mit Dem Neuen Jahr'
Chorale: 'Lass Uns Das Jahr Vollbringen'
Chorus: 'Sie Werden Aus Saba Alle Kommen'
Chorale: 'Die Kon'ge Aus Saba Kamen Dar'
Recitative: 'Was Dort Jesaias Vorhergesehn'
Aria: 'Gold Aus Ophir Ist Zu Schlecht'
Recitative: 'Verschmahe Nicht'
Aria: 'Nimm Mich Dir Zu Eigen Hin'
Chorale: 'Ei Nun, Mein Gott, So Fall Ich Dir'

Album Description

Assembled on this well-documented three-CD set are all of the Bach cantatas for the period from Christmas to Epiphany. Cantata BWV 190 "Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied," has been reconstructed by Ton Koopman for this recording.

Tracks:

Choral
Recitativo (Soprano)
Aria (Tenor)
Recitativo (Basse)
Aria (Soprano & Alto)
Choral
Choral
Aria (Tenor)
Recitativo (Alto)
Aria (Basse)
Recitativo (Soprano)
Choral
Choral
Aria (Alto)
Recitativo (Tenor)
Aria (Soprano)
Recitativo (Basse)
Choral

Tracks:

Choral
Recitativo (Alto)
Aria (Soprano)
Recitativo (Tenor)
Aria (Tenor)
Recitativo (Basse)
Choral
Magnificat Anima Mea
Et Exultavist Spiritus Meus
Vom Himmel
Quia Respexit Humilitatem
Omnes Generationes
Quia Fecit Mihi Magna
Freut Euch Und Jubiliert
Et Misericordia
Fecit Potentiam
Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Deposuit Potentes
Esurientes Implevit Bonis
Virga Jesse Floruit
Suscepit Israel
Sicut Locutus Est
Gloria Patri

Average customer rating:

Christmas Cantatas

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B00005NCM6
Release Date: 2002-01-08

Bach 2000 Light (Without Sacred Cantatas)

Average customer rating:

Bach 2000 Light (Without Sacred Cantatas)
Various Conductors , Various Performers , and Various Ensembles
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Canons | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Inventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Caprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Masses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00001IV8C
Release Date: 1999-09-21

Amazon.com

The Bach renaissance--which began in earnest in the early 19th century thanks to the efforts of Felix Mendelssohn and others--inspired an endeavor of far-reaching significance. It led to the founding of the Bach Society in 1850, with the goal of gathering and publishing the composer's complete works, and thus set into motion one of the great projects of musical scholarship. That effort has continued and been refined throughout the 20th century, ultimately influencing not only our perception of how to perform early music but fundamental ideas of musical history, evolution, and reception as well.

Teldec's mammoth Bach 2000 box set represents a kind of culmination of that original attempt to come to terms with Johann Sebastian Bach's unparalleled legacy. This set brings together performances recorded over the last several decades--a small percentage of the recordings are previously unreleased--of all the extant works determined by modern scholarship to be authentic. There are also some pieces the authorship of which is still in question and a few now deemed "inauthentic" but familiarly associated with the composer. Bach was a prodigious reviser of his compositions, and alternate versions of a particular work have been included "where the changes seemed sufficiently important," such as the glorious Magnificat. No doubt manuscripts will continue to be unearthed here and there in various archives (Bach 2000 contains, for example, the "Neumeister chorales," which were rediscovered in 1984), but the set does not represent the many fragments of music that consist of just a few bars; however, there are some reconstructions of lost concertos (such as one for three violins reconstructed by Christopher Hogwood from an extant concerto for harpsichords).

Of course a truly comprehensive recorded edition of every note Bach wrote remains a utopian impossibility--about one-third of his cantatas, for example, have not survived. Even so, the dimensions of Bach 2000 are staggering. With its 12 boxes comprising 153 CDs, the set can be compressed into fewer boxes to save shelf space yet is still about ten times as long as the Ring cycle. (It should be noted that the packaging--using thin cardboard sleeves for the CDs--is distinctively unattractive.) That adds up to just under 160 hours of music--but a lifetime of discovery. Each box (grouped according to genre) contains a booklet with excellent notes on individual works and--for all the choral works--texts and translations. Tracking indexes are useful and thorough. Also included is a profusely illustrated hardbound volume of 24 Inventions, in which journalist Wolfgang Sandberger uses the composer's biography as a peg for some enigmatic and fascinating musings on the meaning of Bach today.

The presiding philosophy behind this project and its approach to musical interpretation can be largely ascribed to Nikolaus Harnoncourt, a true musical pioneer and galvanizing force of the "period performance" movement. Harnoncourt's epoch-making recordings of the sacred cantatas (using, for instance, boy sopranos and choristers according to the practice in Bach's time) with the Concentus musicus Wien and colleague Gustav Leonhardt comprise the first four volumes here (those who already own them can turn to the Bach 2000 Light edition, which contains everything sans the cantatas). These recordings--which were not remastered for this set--have long been controversial and are notably uneven, embracing some magnificent accounts as well as others that lack fire and seem clearly underrehearsed. But Harnoncourt is one of the most fascinating conductors of our era, and his interpretations amply bear out his assertion: "I have never felt that Bach worked in a routine manner, that he repeated himself in his works." Harnoncourt--who has articulated many of his ideas in his book The Musical Dialogue--displays his gifts as a cellist in a remarkably probing performance of the Cello Suites (originally recorded in 1965) and in his concertizing for a number of chamber works. For\ the St. Matthew Passion, you get Harnoncourt's groundbreaking earlier account from 1970, while his 1986 recording of the sublime B Minor Mass is also represented here (the St. John Passion included is Harnoncourt's 1995 acount).

Other artists included are colleague Gustav Leonhardt, whose thoughtful if occasionally dry harpsichord artistry is heard in the Goldberg Variations as well as in the concertos and chamber music. The harpsichord is in fact used throughout in preference to piano for the keyboard works. Ton Koopman (himself the conductor of an ongoing complete cantata series and of the Easter Oratorio included here) performs the organ works, including some newly recorded offerings, while Il Giardino Armonico's well-known high-energy account represents the Brandenburg Concertos. Violinist Thomas Zehetmair is exceptionally compelling in the unaccompanied sonatas and partitas, and the Concentus musicus Wien--again under Harnoncourt--perform a superb Musical Offering that richly repays frequent listening.

The result of Bach 2000 as a whole is an aptly encyclopedic grappling with the infinite legacy of this most compendious of composers, whose works are on one level a summation of all the styles available to him. Bach was once thought to represent a "terminal point" (to use Albert Schweitzer's famous formulation), the end of an era; today he is at least equally recognized as a fertile source of inspiration for composers since. To be sure, individual recordings of particular works will be found to be preferable, and it would be misguided to consider Bach 2000 any kind of "final" or "definitive" word. Instead, it's an indispensable starting point that represents a monumental achievement for our own contemporary understanding of Bach. --Thomas May --This text refers to the complete edition of this title

Album Description

Volume 1, 11 Discs
Secular Cantatas App. Sacred Cantatas; 11 CDs; Koopman, Harnoncourt, Koopman, Goebel and others

Volume 2, 14 Discs
The Sacred Vocal Works Masses,Magnificat, Passions, Oratorios; 14 CDs; Harnoncourt, Koopman, Corboz and others

Volume 3, 7 Discs
The Motets, Chorales & Songs Kirnberger Chorales,Schemelli Songs, Quodlibet

Volume 4, 16 Discs
The Organ Works; 16 CDs; Ton Koopman

Volume 5, 11 Discs
The Keyboard Works (I) The Well-Tempered Clavier, English & French Suites, Partitas etc; 11 CDs; Curtis, Ross, Wilson, Ruzickova

Volume 6, 11 Discs
The Keyboard Works (II) Goldberg Variations, Toccatas, Fugues, Italian Concerto, etc; 11 CDs; Staier, Barchi, Leonhardt, von Asperen, Baumont, and others

Volume 7, 13 Discs
The Chamber Music Violin Sonatas & Partitas, Flute Sonatas, Works for Lute, Art of Fugue, Musical Offering, etc; 13 CDs; Harnoncourt, Pianca, Tachezi, Brggen, Zehetmair, and others

Tracks:

Das neugeborne Kindelein BWV 122: 1. Choral: Das Neugeborne Kindelein
Das neugeborne Kindelein BWV 122: 2. Aria (B): O Menschen, die ihr tTaglich sich sundigt
Das neugeborne Kindelein BWV 122: 3. Recitativo (S): Die Engel, welche sich zuvor
Das neugeborne Kindelein BWV 122: 4. Aria (S, A, T): Ist Gott versohnt und unser Freund
Das neugeborne Kindelein BWV 122: 5. Recitativo (B): Dies ist ein Tag, den selbst der Herr gemacht
6. Choral: Es bringt das rechte Jubeljahr
Unser Mund sei voll Lachens BWV 110: 1. Chor: Unser Mund sei voll Lachens
Unser Mund sei voll Lachens BWV 110: 2. Aria (T): Ihr Gedanken und ihr Sinnen
Unser Mund sei voll Lachens BWV 110: 3. Recitativo (B): Dir, Herr, ist niemand gleich
Unser Mund sei voll Lachens BWV 110: 4. Aria (A): Ach Herr, was ist ein Menschenkind
Unser Mund sei voll Lachens BWV 110: 5. Duetto (S, T): Ehre sei Gott in der Hohe
Unser Mund sei voll Lachens BWV 110: 6. Aria (B): Wacht auf, ihr Adern und ihr Gleider
Unser Mund sei voll Lachens BWV 110: 7. Choral: Alleluja! Gelobt sei Gott
Selig ist der Mann BWV 57: 1. Aria (B:, Selig ist der Mann
Selig ist der Mann BWV 57: 2. Recitativo (S): Ach! dieser susse Trost
Selig ist der Mann BWV 57: 3. Aria (S): Ich wunschte mir den Tod
Selig ist der Mann BWV 57: 4. Recitativo (S, B): Ich reiche dir die Hand
Selig ist der Mann BWV 57: 5. Aria (B): Ja, Ja, ich kann die Feinde schlagen
Selig ist der Mann BWV 57: 6. Recitativo (S, B): In meiner Schoss liegt Ruh und Leben
Selig ist der Mann BWV 57: 7. Aria (S): Ich ende behende
Selig ist der Mann BWV 57: 8. Choral: Richte dich, Liebste, nach meinem Gefallen

Amazon.com

Western classical music rests mightily on J.S. Bach, the master of contrapuntal polyphony. Bach saw clearly that art and music best interpret the divine in human kind, that music especially elevates the human spirit while it praises divinity. The Christmas cantatas, including, The New-Born Little Babe, Let Our Mouths Be Filled with Laughter, and Blessed Is the Man, transport listeners back to the Leipzig of 1700, to the regal cathedrals of the day. But the music and scripture-derived lyrics, framed at varying times by oboe, strings, flutes, and trailing harmony, remain glorious under the guiding hand of director Philippe Herreweghe and the flawless vocal talents of bass Peter Kooy, tenor Mark Padmore, alto Sarah Connolly, and soprano Vasiljka Jezovsek. Covering a range of joyous, reverential, and inspirational emotions and higher aspirations, the Collegium Vocale is at once soulful and incandescent in these perpetually powerful works. --Martin Keller

Customer Reviews:

Solid in all respects.......2006-03-23

I personally like the approach that Herreweghe uses when performing Bach. There is a slight feeling of understatement, but also great depth. These three cantatas are not particularly well known, but are of high quality. Although that statement could be made for almost every Bach cantata we have extant. I find the soloists to be very fine, and don't really notice any awkwardness with the soprano as some reviews have stated. I must single out Pete Kooy who is one of the best basses around, and certainly a fantastic interpreter of Bach. He has three arias on this disc, each of which is a delight. The other highlight for me is the tenor aria "Ihr Gedanken und ihr Sinnen" from BWV110. This is one of the best arias ever, and sung beautifully by Mark Padmore. The alto aria from this cantata "Ach Herr, was ist ein Menschenkind" is also excellent, and well sung by Sarah Connolly.

Overall the performance by the choir, instruments and soloists is up to the usual high standards of Herreweghe, and this disc is very likely to please.

A nice addition to your Bach collection.......2000-01-07

What always strikes me about Herreweghe's recordings of Bach is how balanced and refined they are. The quality of the soloists is always matched by the quality of the chorus and the instrumental playing. The result is often nothing short of magic. This disc, presenting three cantatas from Bach's early Leipzig period, is no exception. Yes, the soprano and the tenor have been gently criticized for their performances here (e.g, read the editorial review above, which basically repeats what was said earlier by Gramophone), but my unschooled ears fail to notice the alleged awkwardness in their sound. The only piece on this disc that may be termed slightly awkward is the ST duet (Ehre sei Gott in der Hohe), but I attribute that awkwardness not so much to the singing as to the presence of the difficult to follow cello continuo. Bach reworked this piece from his 1723 Magnificat in E flat, and, as sung by Bott and George on Pickett's recording of Magnificat, it sounds just as "awkward." It's a beautiful piece in both versions, but the cello continuo definitely seems to have a life of its own, leaving the piece sounding a little disjointed. But let's rise above the trees and look at the forest. Each of the cantatas on this disc has a different mood, expertly captured by Herreweghe. The opening cantata, Das neugeborne Kindelein, based on the melody by Melchior Vulpius, is somber and chromatic, with motet-like movements in the lower voices. The highlight for me was the SAT trio Ist Gott versohnt. The next cantata, Unser Mund sei voll Lachens, is bright and freely-invented, with an especially masterful accomodation of the word Lachens ("laughter") in the opening chorus. This cantata features one of my favorite Bach arias Ihr Gedanken und ihr Sinnen. The last cantata is structurally the most interesting of the three: it is set out in the form of a dialogue between Jesus and the soul (SB). The overall tone of this cantata is grave, but its underlying motive - the hope of salvation - is uplifting (a typical Lutheran treatment of the theme of death). gkolomietz@yahoo.com

Arias St John Passion / Christmas Oratorio / Cantatas

Average customer rating:

Mera + Bach = Perfection

Arias St John Passion / Christmas Oratorio / Cantatas

Manufacturer: Bis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B00004SYCB
Release Date: 2000-04-15

Tracks:

7. Aria. Von Den Stricken Meiner Sunden...
2. Aria. Mein Jesu, Ziehe Mich Nach Dir...
1. Duet. Du Wahrer Gott Und Davids Sohn...
9. Recitative. Nur Eines Krankt Ein Christliches Gemute...
10. Aria. Jesus Macht Mich Geistlich Reich...
2. Recitative (And Arioso). O Sel'ger Christ, Der Allzeit Seinen Willen...
3. Aria. Mit Allem, Was Ich Hab Und Bin...
4. Aria. Bereite Dich, Zion...
19. Aria. Schlafe, Mein Liebster, Geniesse Der Ruh...
31. Aria. Schliess, Mein Herze, Dies Selige Wunder...
45. Chorus And Recitative. Wo Ist Der Neugeborne Konig Der Juden?...
51. Aria (Tercet). Ach, Wenn Wird Die Zeit Erscheinen?...
30. Aria. Es Ist Vollbracht!...

Customer Reviews:

Mera + Bach = Perfection.......2001-05-18

A gorgeous, moving CD by one of the most remarkable singers of our day. Countertenor Yoshikazu Mera has a voice of delicate, other-worldly beauty and the most natural and sensitive musical instinct, which here are equalled or surpassed by his lyrical artistry and emotional depth. The all-Bach selections make for a coherent program, though on the sad and serious side due to the preponderance of minor keys. This is a must-buy, and thanks to Amazon for carrying it ....

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