Easter Cantatas

On this CD:

1. Cantata No. 182, "Himmelskönig, sei willkommen," BWV 182
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

2. Easter Oratorio, "Kommt, eilet und laufet," BWV 249
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

3. Cantata No. 31, "Der Himmel lacht! die Erde jubilieret," BWV 31
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

4. Cantata No. 6 "Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden," BWV 6
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

5. Cantata No. 42, "Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbaths," BWV 42
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

6. Cantata No. 108, "Es ist euch gut, dass ich hingehe," BWV 108
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

7. Cantata No. 128, "Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein," BWV 128
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

8. Cantata No. 172, "Erschallet, ihr Lieder," BWV 172
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

9. Cantata No. 172, "Erschallet, ihr Lieder," BWV 172
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium , Frankfurt Kantorei
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

10. Cantata No. 34, "O ewiges Feuer, o Ursprung der Liebe," BWV 34
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

11. Cantata No. 184, "Erwünschtes Freudenlicht," BWV 184
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

12. Cantata No. 175, "Er rufet seinen Schafen mit Namen," BWV 175
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach
with Stuttgart Bach Collegium
Conducted by Helmuth Rilling

Easter Cantatas,Bach,Bach Ensemble,Rilling,Hanssler Classics,Chamber Music & Recitals,Classical,Special Occasions
Ian Bostridge - J.S. Bach: Cantatas & Arias / Biondi, Europa Galante
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • a voice teacher and early music fan
  • TOWARDS THE HEREAFTER
  • a voice unsurpassed
  • STUNNING
Ian Bostridge - J.S. Bach: Cantatas & Arias / Biondi, Europa Galante
Johann Sebastian Bach , Fabio Biondi , Ian Bostridge , and Europa Galante
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Bostridge, IanBostridge, Ian | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Ian Bostridge - Schubert Lieder, Volume I
  2. Ian Bostridge - Schubert Lieder, Volume II
  3. Ian Bostridge - Liederkreis Op. 24, Dichterliebe Op. 48 & 7 Lieder
  4. Ian Bostridge - Songs of Faure, Debussy & Poulenc
  5. Cantatas for Solo Countertenor

ASIN: B00004YA0X
Release Date: 2001-01-09

Tracks:

  1. Aria - Ich Habe Genug
  2. Recitativo - Ich Habe Genug
  3. Aria - Schlummert Ein, Ihr Matten Augen
  4. Mein Gott! Wann Kommt Das Schone: Non!
  5. Aria - Ich Freue Mich Auf Meinen Tod
  6. Sinfonia
  7. Recitativo - Es Will Der Hochste Sich Ein Siegsgesprang...
  8. Aria - Ja Tausend Mal Tausend Begleiten Den Wagen
  9. Aria - Ich Armer Mensch, Ich Sundenknecht
  10. Recitativo - Ich Habe Wider Gott Gehandelt
  11. Aria - Erbarme Dich! Lass Die Tranen
  12. Recitativo - Erbarme Dich!
  13. Chor - Bin Ich Gleich Von Dir Gewichen
  14. Sinfonia
  15. Aria - Der Ewigkeit Saphirnes Haus
  16. Aria - Sanfte Soll Mein Todeskummer
  17. Recitativo - Dies Hat Gott Klar
  18. Aria - Des Vaters Stimme Lies Sich Horen
  19. Aria - Gott Ist Mein Freund
  20. Sinfonia

Amazon.com

Tenor Ian Bostridge and Fabio Biondi, with his Europa Galante ensemble, collaborate in a hugely enjoyable program of J.S. Bach cantata arias (some transposed from their original settings) for tenor. The centerpiece is BWV 82, "Ich hab genug," more familiar in versions for bass or soprano. Here Bostridge poaches the soprano version and sings with vocal mastery and textual nuance. Throughout the varied program his effortlessly floating high register offers a sensuous touch rarely heard in most Bach performances, and it's matched by a rich, rounded sound throughout his range. Fortunately he reins in the overemoting that sometimes mars his lieder singing, while his sensitivity to the texts remains apparent everywhere. Most of the texts are about shucking off worldly cares for the glories of heaven, and the music, full of longing and hope, is often akin to a lover's pleas. Along with Bostridge's vocalism, Biondi's solos and the opulent tonal resources of his outstanding period band make this CD indispensable. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-04-30

In contrast to the bass voice, which is frequently associated with flesh-and-blood characters such as Jesus and Peter, the tenor in Bach is often a disembodied prescence. To this supple, even-toned voice are entrusted the arias which may be properly called, poetic and rhetorical illustrations with the purpose of making evident, and so to speak palpable, this or that aspect of faith or of the life of the believer. The tenor voice becomes that of the repentant sinner, and thus of hope. Combine the names:Bach, Biondi and Bostridge and you have a MUSICAL MASTERPIECE!!!!!!Everything is good about this disc both vocally and instrumentally. Beginning the recording with the Cantata "Ich habe genug"(It is enough.) was very clever programming because after hearing it, the listener has to keep listening; it is so mesmerizing. Ian's voice combined with the lovely and lush tone of the flute is almost hypnotic. Biondi's skillful violin playing is exciting as shown in the Aria:"Enbarme dich!Lass die Tranen"(Have mercy on me); and also in the "SinfoniaBWV212". In fact,'Europa Galante'does an incredible job,not only do they just play the notes, but they perform with such vigor and excitement, one has to be drawn into the music. The Choral "Bin ich gleich von dir gewichen" added the voices of Giuia(sop),Carmignani (male alto) and Abete(bass)also well done. This is a disc with much variety and excitement; it's that characteristic that sets it apart from many other like renditions.

5 out of 5 stars TOWARDS THE HEREAFTER.......2005-12-20

There is a very interesting and thoughtful essay accompanying this disc, by Michel Roubinet and quite superbly translated into genuine English by Hugh Graham. In it the author draws attention to some aspects of the pietist tradition of Lutheranism, in particular its strong emphasis on the worshipper as an individual, and even more particularly the recurring theme of death as the gateway to each individual's final fulfilment. This was the spirit of much of the poetry that Bach set in his cantatas, and it must have been to a great extent the particular strain of belief that underlay the transcendental musical inspiration of Bach himself. Bach knew love and he knew grief and he believed both to be God's dispensation. He knew his own talent, he believed that to be God's gift, and he worked to perfect it with an industry that would have been astonishing in someone who had far more perfecting to do. The spirit of his music is introspective, but it seems to me completely untouched by guilt or fear. Bach's talent, unlike Milton's, was not death to hide because for him death held no terrors.

A review of this recital in a Sunday newspaper was phrased in such extravagant terms of praise that I noted it as something to acquire. I am relieved to calculate that this review can only have been five years ago, so long does it seem that I have been failing to do anything about it, but the name of Ian Bostridge registered firmly with me, and I now own the disc with a good idea, obtained in the intervening period, of why the original reviewer was so impressed. Bostridge is not only highly accomplished, he has an exceptional voice in the first place. It is what I think of as a `true' tenor, as opposed to the `mezzo-tenor' timbre of Schreier or Padmore. In spite of this Bostridge has a quite remarkable low register, something that he needs frequently in Bach and nowhere more on this disc than in Ich Habe Genug, where he adapts the soprano version and shows his self-assurance by leading off with it. There is more than an hour's music here, it is all music of much the same type, but between composer and interpreters the experience was over in no time. Bostridge seems to me to hit the right expression in every piece without exception, and he is admirably offset by the Europa Galante group, not just the instrumentalists but also the three singers who perform the final chorale in Ich Armer Mensch.

In addition to the arias, recitatives and the one chorus, there are three short instrumental numbers, the disc being rounded off with a sinfonia from the Peasant Cantata, providing an unexpected and pleasant contrast to the unrelieved devoutness of the rest of it. The recorded tone is admirable, and the liner-note is of real value. Apart from anything else, the translation by Hugh Graham puts his fellow practitioners to shame. If you read the note in English without realising it is a translation, as I did, you would never know, or at least I never suspected.

I suppose it is slightly unusual for a young artist to introduce himself with an exhibition disc consisting entirely of music that is not only great but deeply serious and even solemn as well. However one of the most extraordinary things about Bach is just how strong his appeal has always been and always looks like being. The technical difficulty of his music that once seemed formidable seems so no longer, and in some ways he is easier to interpret successfully than most composers of similar stature. That does not detract in the slightest from what Bostridge has achieved here, and I would suggest that admirers of both great music and great singing would do well to be less dilatory about obtaining this disc than I was.

5 out of 5 stars a voice unsurpassed.......2001-10-13

This CD is stunning. I am a cellist, and I originally bought it for some of the Bach pieces that featured prominent instrumental parts, but from the start, I was spellbound. The first selection, BWV 82A, is one of the most beautiful works of Bach that I have ever heard. Ian Bostridge's voice is spellbinding. I am looking forward to hearing much more, especially his lieder CDs.

5 out of 5 stars STUNNING.......2001-03-11

This is the perfect recording for anyone who already loves the vocal music of J.S. Bach or for anyone who feels that Bach's music is too mathematical and non-emotional. Ian Bostridge is, arguably, the most emotional of all "serious" singers today. He interprets everything he performs and brings his own insights to his performances, whether, for example, the music be written by Bach or another of the singer's obvious favorites, Benjamin Britten. The music on this album, usually sung by bass or soprano, sounds very right for tenor, esp. for Bostridge's light, almost unearthly, sound. He is beautifully accompanied by an ensemble called Europa Galante which also plays three of Bach's sinfonias for orchestra, without voice. This is a stunning album which I highly recommend.
Johann Pachelbel: Easter Cantatas
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Another milestone for Musica Fiata
Johann Pachelbel: Easter Cantatas
Pachelbel , Wilson , Capella Ducale , and Musica Fiata
Manufacturer: Cpo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by PachelbelAll Works by Pachelbel | Pachelbel, Johann | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ChorusesChoruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MagnificatsMagnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Nikolaus Bruhns: Deutsche Kantaten
  2. Buxtehude: Sacred Cantatas, Vol 2 /Purcell Quartet
  3. Rosenmüller: Weihnachtshistorie
  4. Apocryphal Bach Cantatas, Vol. 2
  5. Buxtehude: Sacred Cantatas, Vol 1 /Kirkby * Leblanc * Harvey * Purcell Quartet

ASIN: B0001M64WK
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

  1. Deus In Adjutorium
  2. Christ Lag In Todesbanden
  3. Halleluja! Lobet Den Herrn
  4. Christ Ist Erstanden
  5. Jauchzet Dem Herrn
  6. Magnificat In C Major

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Another milestone for Musica Fiata .......2004-07-29

It's about time an excellent album of Pachelbel cantatas appeared on the market! Both Johann Mattheson and J.S. Bach have sent us a very clear historical message about the mastery of this great Kappellmeister who held posts in Eisenach, Erfurt, Stuttgart, and Nuremburg. Listeners now have the luxury of basking in the sound of the musico-cultural inheritance of J. S. Bach. What a joy comfort to hear this music performed so well by Musica Fiata; Roland Wilson has thus produced another world-class installment of well-researched performance in late seventeenth-century concerted vocal music (listen also to Musica Fiata's wonderful recording of similar music by the Leipzig Kappellmeister Johann Schelle, also on the CPO label). Actually, I have never heard anything not worth hearing from this label. The same is true for Musica Fiata.

Of note on this recording is Musica Fiata's expert period band of instrumentalists who never fail to deliver the appropriate stylistic characteristics in this music, while taking daring risks, and displaying PERFECT intonation. Also, the singers (including some familiar names from past recordings on other Harmonia Mundi, Sony, and CPO projects) could not possibly sing this difficult and glorious repertoire any better than they do in this recording.

Note also that for the first time in their recordings, Wilson chooses to use the exotic sound of a double harp with bray pins to great effect in the continuo section. Also, the harp as used as a solo instrument in the section of the cantata "Halleluiah! Lobet dem Herrn" (a setting of Psalm 150) where the text reads "Lobet ihn mit Psalter und Harfen" ("praise him with psaltery and harp"). Other instruments mentioned in this psalm (drums, prass, flutes, cymbals) are all depicted creatively by the expert players of Musica Fiata. This sort of realization brings to mind other seventeenth-centruy settings of the same text, most notably Heinrich Schütz's setting from Psalmen Davids or 1619.

This ensemble has clearly mastered this genre of repertoire, and it is not likely that any other similar ensemble in Europe will be able to surpass this perfect balance between performing excellence and sound scholarship within the next several years.



Bach, Handel: Solo Cantatas, etc.
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Profoundly moving. Unqualifiedly recommended.
Bach, Handel: Solo Cantatas, etc.

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by HandelAll Works by Handel | Handel, George Frideric | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
MagnificatsMagnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
PassionsPassions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. The Very Best of Janet Baker

ASIN: B00005B5NN
Release Date: 2001-07-03

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. Bist Du Bei Mir
  2. St. John Passion: Es Ist Vollbracht
  3. Cant No.6: Hochgelobter Gottesohn
  4. Cant No.161: Komm, Du Susse Todesstunde
  5. Easter Orotorio: Saget, Saget Mir Geschwinde
  6. Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Sinf - ASMF/Neville Marriner
  7. Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Aria: Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio
  8. Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Recitative: Non Sdegnerai D'amor
  9. Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Aria: Di Quel Bel Che Il Ciel Ti Diede
  10. Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Recitative: Balena Il Cielo
  11. Italian Cant No.1 'Ah! Crudel Nel Pianto Mio': Aria: Per Trofei Di Mia Costanza
  12. Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Recitative: Dietro L'orme Fugaci
  13. Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Aria: Ah! Crudel, E Pur Ten Vai
  14. Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Recitative: Per Te Mi Struggo, Infido
  15. Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Aria: Venti, Fermate
  16. Cant No.13 'Armida Abbandonata': Recitative: Ma Che Parlo, Che Dico?
  17. 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:

5 out of 5 stars 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!

Dame Janet was also well known for her abilities in the music of Handel, and here she puts all her vocal acting ability at the complete service of the music.
Bach - Easter Cantatas BWV 6 & 66 / Fink, Davislim, Clarkson, Chance, Padmore, Henschel, The Monteverdi Choir, The English Baroque Soloists, Gardiner
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Did the Amazon reviewer listen to the same record that I did?
  • a voice teacher and early music fan
  • Room for 1 more Cantata
  • Thanks, Archiv...
Bach - Easter Cantatas BWV 6 & 66 / Fink, Davislim, Clarkson, Chance, Padmore, Henschel, The Monteverdi Choir, The English Baroque Soloists, Gardiner
Johann Sebastian Bach , John Eliot Gardiner , Bernarda Fink , Mark Padmore , Michael Chance , Dietrich Henschel , Julian Clarkson , and Steve Davislim
Manufacturer: Archiv Produktion
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Bach: Cantatas BWV 98, BWV139 & BWV16
  2. Bach: Cantatas, BWV 82. 83, 125, 200
  3. Bach - Cantatas BWV 199, 179, 113 / Kozená · Towers · Padmore · Loges · Gardiner
  4. Bach: Advent Cantatas
  5. Christmas Cantatas

ASIN: B00004R9F7
Release Date: 2000-03-14

Tracks:

  1. 1. Chorus: Bleib Bei Uns, Denn Es Will Abend Werden
  2. 2. Aria (Contralto): Hochgelobter Gottesohn
  3. 3. Chorale (Sopranos): Ach Bleib Be Uns, Herr Jesu Christ
  4. 4. Recitative (Bass): Es Hat Die Dunkelheit An Vielen Orten
  5. 5. Aria (Tenor): Jesu, LaUns Auf Dich Sehen
  6. 6. Chorale: Beweis Dein Macht, Herr Jesu Christ
  7. 1. Chorus: Erfreut Euch, Ihr Herzen
  8. 2. Recitative (Bass): Es Bricht Das Grab Und Damit Unsre Not
  9. 3. Aria (Bass): Lasset Dem Hten Ein Danklied Erschallen
  10. 4. Recitative (Dialogue) & Arioso (Countertenor, Tenor): Bei Jesu Leben Freudig Sein
  11. 5. Duet (Countertenor, Tenor): Ich F Zwar / Nicht Des Grabes Finsternissen
  12. 6. Chorale: Halleluja! Des Solln Wir Alle Froh Sein

Amazon.com

John Eliot Gardiner's year-2000 project is big, even for him: a "pilgrimage" to perform all of Bach's surviving church cantatas (more than 200) between Christmas 1999 and Christmas 2000 in various churches throughout Europe, with a finale planned for New York City. With so much music, so many places, and so little time, worries about routine, autopilot music-making, and inconsistent performance standards were understandable. It was no doubt prudent for DG to record most of the "Bach Cantata Pilgrimage" series in the studio before the tour began. So it's all the more distressing that, even with Gardiner's famously skillful choir and orchestra recording under studio conditions, the first volume of the series is a disaster. The Monteverdi Choir, renowned as the well-oiled, high-precision machine of the choral world, sings with poor blend and occasionally shaky tuning (practically unheard-of for this group); the orchestral playing is either blaring or blasé; and the soloists sound uninvolved or uncertain, or both. It's hard not to think that everyone was sight-reading the music during the recording sessions. Most unfortunate of all is the once-superb countertenor Michael Chance, whose wobbly, indeterminate, frayed singing is heartbreaking. (Get the much better volume 2 of this series, a reissue of a 1989 recording, to hear just how good he used to be.) DG probably was contractually obligated to release this recording, but Gardiner should be ashamed to have let it leave the studio. Thank goodness that later volumes in this series aren't as bad. --Matthew Westphal

Amazon.com

This is the first of a series of recordings stemming from John Eliot Gardiner's "Bach Cantata Pilgrimage," a project to present all of the sacred cantatas in churches throughout Europe. The two cantatas on this disc are lesser-known Easter cantatas. Written in 1725, BWV 6 "Bleib bei uns, denn es will Abend werden" ("Abide with us") is darkly dramatic, full of yearning. BWV 66, from 1724, is a reworking of a secular piece originally written to celebrate a princely birthday. It's a brighter work, as evidenced by its opening chorus, "Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen"("Rejoice, ye hearts"). Gardiner's period-practice interpretations are muscular enough to satisfy traditionalists as well, and performances of both cantatas are good without lighting any fires, as are the soloists--with the exception of Michael Chance's undernourished countertenor. Short timing, though--only 48 minutes, more than enough for another cantata. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Did the Amazon reviewer listen to the same record that I did?.......2007-03-05

I quote:

"The Monteverdi Choir, renowned as the well-oiled, high-precision machine of the choral world, sings with poor blend and occasionally shaky tuning (practically unheard-of for this group); the orchestral playing is either blaring or blasé; and the soloists sound uninvolved or uncertain, or both. It's hard not to think that everyone was sight-reading the music during the recording sessions. Most unfortunate of all is the once-superb countertenor Michael Chance, whose wobbly, indeterminate, frayed singing is heartbreaking."

Sorry, but why didn't I hear any of this? Am I deaf? Unperceptive? A combination thereof? OK, Michael Chance did seem a bit weak at times, but it did seem a very hard part (how on earth did whatever adolescent of the Thomaner Choir given the job of singing it manage it in Bach's day?). And to my ears, the Monteverdis sounded as well-oiled as ever.

So, why only 4 stars? Because this CD has now been overshadowed by Gardiner's latest from his own SDG label, which arrived chez Teemacs only last week. It has Easter cantatas, including these two, plus also the wonderful BWV4 and BWV31 (not to be missed!). The versions of these two are of course live and they sound crisp and exciting.

However, if you don't want the double CD SDG version, this is a good one.

5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-09-26

Bach's Cantata"Bleib bei uns, dess es will Abend werden"BWV6 was performed in Leipzig on Easter Monday in 1725. He chose the Gospel reading of the day for the text (Luke 24:13-25). It is an account of the meeting of Jesus with the disciples walking along the road to Emmaus,and Bach focuses on the disciple's yearning for Christ to remain with them. As if to enable his listener's to relive their sorrow, the music is somewhat morose. The plea 'Bleib bei uns'(abide with us) surely had a deeper meaning for Bach as he experienced the impending confinement of his beloved Anna Magdalena. Perhaps that is the reason I did not find this cantata to my liking. However, I definately do not think that it was performed badly! One thing to note is that it is very instrumental, so much so that the instruments in many instances overwhelmed the choir and I don't think relocating the mikes would have helped; it's just the way Bach wrote it. Bernarda Fink's solos was sung well operatically, but not altogether in a suitable style for Bach; it was far too dramatic with an overabundance of vibrato. I LOVE her in opera; this just doesn't work for me. Other than that it's enjoyable to hear, but a "downer". Bach's cantata:"Erfreut euch,ihr Herzen" BWV66 was performed in 1724. This cantata is based on the epistle of the day:Acts 10:34-43,which bristles with Peter's raw energy as he boldly testifies to the death and the resurrection of Jesus and the forgiveness now available to all who believe.The utter exuberance of the opening chorus certainly portrays the joy of the Resurrection!!!!!And the performance of it on this disc is indeed inspiring. It is not as heavily instrumental as the previous cantata although it has some glorious trumpet parts, but much of the strong instrumentation occurs in between the singing. The soloists including Michael Chance were excellent; the high tessitura continued for the countertenor thruout , but Chance more than held his own. The duet between Chance and Padmore was very well done; all elements being in place such as balance, tonality , phrasing and interpretation. At no time was there any "shakiness" etc. on the part of the countertenor; perhaps those who criticised are really not all that familiar with the countertenor voice. Likewise I did not detect any flaws in the choral performance. The disc is worth listening to even though I do not think it is the best of the Bach Cantatas!!!!

4 out of 5 stars Room for 1 more Cantata.......2000-09-03

If there were only 48 minutes on the CD, there would have been room for another great Cantata "Der Himmel Lacht!" BWV 31.

That has Trumpet and Timpani Obliggato and is wonderful!

Maybe in the future?

3 out of 5 stars Thanks, Archiv..........2000-04-01

This CD opens a series of 12 releases (to appear on a monthly basis until November 2000) with selected Bach's cantatas performed by various soloists and The Monteverdi Choir/English Baroque Soloists under Sir John Eliot Gardiner. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the death of Johann Sebastian Bach, Gardiner prepared his own cantatas project called: "Bach Cantata Pilgrimage" that will "feature performances of all Bach's surviving church cantatas within a single year at a variety of churches throughout Europe (as well as three concerts in New York bringing the Pilgrimage to its conclusion) on the feast days for which they were composed" (from the advertising leaflet). After having listened to this first release, I am deeply grateful to Archiv Produktion that "Cantata Pilgrimage" cycle will be limited to only 12 CD, though originally it was planned as a COMPLETE CANTATAS PROJECT! I do not know about other Bach fans, but I am certainly not ready to face yet another complete cantatas project, especially recorded by "authentists". Koopman's boring production is coming to an end - to me, Koopman's cycle will always be an example of a dry music making , dictated by scholarship rather than musical instincts (but what an organist he is!). Suzuki's are much more balanced recordings - they are beautifully played and sung and the commitment of all the artists is never in doubt. Here again, some "scholarly" touches mar the final effect - Suzuki's tempi follow the general "quickish" trend, but somehow they are not breathless and thoughtless and don't bother me as they do in some other recordings. I enjoy a lot Philippe Herreweghe's releases of selected cantatas and sometimes regret that Harmonia Mundi did not embark on the "complete cantatas" project with this conductor. Gardiner's cycle on "Archiv" is no surprise and, as we might expect, he choses a spledid "historical" setting for his Pilgrimage: year 2000 and Bach's death's anniversary. Will it work as an excuse for yet another extensive cantatas series? All depends on the quality of Gardiner's releases, and this first installment does not make the whole project look promising. I was struck by a particularly limp choral singing, affecting greatly the clarity of vocal lines and the pleasure of listening. The soloists are much more impressive, Bernarda Fink with her marvellous voice particularly pleasing the ear. Male soloists give good performances (Mark Padmore especially so), but Michael Chance's voice sounds uneven and sometimes quite unpleasant. One more thing - this CD's total playing time is only 48 MINUTES. I understand that there may be some logical justification for putting only two cantatas on one disc (both are for Easter Monday), but doesn't such a short playing time call for a lower price? Such a price would be encouraging to numerous Bach fans who still hesitate before embarking on another "Collecting Bach Cantatas" project. I do not want to discourage anybody, especially those who want to start a collection: Gardiner's survey is quite extensive and will be completed within a year. It will also be more affordable than Suzuki or Koopman and in many ways, more enjoyable than the latter. Gardiner's fans (I am among them though not always for his Bach) will certainly want to give this new release a try and may find much more to enjoy in it than I did. If I were to decide about a new Bach cantatas project I would like to see an "old-fashioned" series, similar in quality and artistic commitment to the achievement of Marriner on his marvellous disc with Janet Baker and John Shirley Quirk. But who would like to do it?
Bach: Cantatas & Easter Oratorio (Box Set)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Bach: Cantatas & Easter Oratorio (Box Set)

    Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Baroque | Classical | General | Modern & 20th Century | Romantic | Sinfonia | Sinfonia Concertante
    GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    OrganOrgan | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00000I6N9
    Release Date: 1999-02-23

    Tracks:

    1. Cantata No.80, Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott - A Mighty Fortress is Our God: Chorale
    2. Cantata No.80, Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott - A Mighty Fortress is Our God: Aria for Soprano Chorus and Bass
    3. Cantata No.80, Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott - A Mighty Fortress is Our God: Bass Recitative and Arioso
    4. Cantata No.80, Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott - A Mighty Fortress is Our God: Soprano Aria
    5. Cantata No.80, Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott - A Mighty Fortress is Our God: Chorus
    6. Cantata No.80, Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott - A Mighty Fortress is Our God: Tenor Recitative
    7. Cantata No.80, Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott - A Mighty Fortress is Our God: Duet for Alto and Tenor
    8. Cantata No.80, Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott - A Mighty Fortress is Our God: Chorale
    9. Cantata No.140, Wachet auf - Wake Up: Chorus
    10. Cantata No.140, Wachet auf - Wake Up: Tenor Recitative
    11. Cantata No.140, Wachet auf - Wake Up: Soprano and Baritone Duet
    12. Cantata No.140, Wachet auf - Wake Up: Tenor Chorale
    13. Cantata No.140, Wachet auf - Wake Up: Baritone Recitative
    14. Cantata No.140, Wachet auf - Wake Up: Soprano and Baritone
    15. Cantata No.140, Wachet auf - Wake Up: Chorale

    Tracks:

    1. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Sinfonia for Orchestra
    2. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Adagio for Oboe and Strings
    3. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Duet , Peter and John, and Chorus
    4. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Recitative (all soloists)
    5. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Aria, Mary
    6. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Recitative (Peter, John, Mary Magdalene)
    7. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Aria, Peter
    8. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Recitative and Arioso, Mary and Mary Magdalene
    9. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Aria (Mary Magdalene)
    10. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Recitative (John)
    11. Easter Oratorio, Kommt, eilet und laufet - Come, hasten and run: Chorus
    12. Cantata No.4, Christ lag in Todesbanden: Sinfonia
    13. Cantata No.4, Christ lag in Todesbanden: Chorus - Verse 1
    14. Cantata No.4, Christ lag in Todesbanden: Duet for Soprano and Alto - Verse 2
    15. Cantata No.4, Christ lag in Todesbanden: Tenor Chorale - Verse 3
    16. Cantata No.4, Christ lag in Todesbanden: Chorus - Verse 4
    17. Cantata No.4, Christ lag in Todesbanden: Bass Chorale - Verse 5
    18. Cantata No.4, Christ lag in Todesbanden: Duet for Soprano and Tenor - Verse 6
    19. Cantata No.4, Christ lag in Todesbanden: Chorale - VII

    Tracks:

    1. Cantata No.146, wirmussen durch viel Trubsal - Through Bitter Tribulation: Overture
    2. Cantata No.146, wirmussen durch viel Trubsal - Through Bitter Tribulation: Chorus
    3. Cantata No.146, wirmussen durch viel Trubsal - Through Bitter Tribulation: Alto Aria
    4. Cantata No.146, wirmussen durch viel Trubsal - Through Bitter Tribulation: Soprano Recitative
    5. Cantata No.146, wirmussen durch viel Trubsal - Through Bitter Tribulation: Soprano Aria
    6. Cantata No.146, wirmussen durch viel Trubsal - Through Bitter Tribulation: Tenor Recitative
    7. Cantata No.146, wirmussen durch viel Trubsal - Through Bitter Tribulation: Tenor & Bass Duet
    8. Cantata No.146, wirmussen durch viel Trubsal - Through Bitter Tribulation: Chorale
    9. Cantata No.161, komm du susse Todessunde: Alto Aria
    10. Cantata No.161, komm du susse Todessunde: Tenor Recitative
    11. Cantata No.161, komm du susse Todessunde: Tenor Aria
    12. Cantata No.161, komm du susse Todessunde: Alto Recitative
    13. Cantata No.161, komm du susse Todessunde: Chorus
    14. Cantata No.161, komm du susse Todessunde: Chorale
    15. Seven Easter Chorales: Christ ist erstanden
    16. Seven Easter Chorales: Christ lag in Todesbanden
    17. Seven Easter Chorales: Erschienen ist der herrlich Tag
    18. Seven Easter Chorales: Erstanden ist der heil'ge Christ
    19. Seven Easter Chorales: Heut triumphieret Gottes Sohn
    20. Seven Easter Chorales: Jesus Christus unser Heiland der von uns den Gottes-zorn wand
    21. Seven Easter Chorales: Jesus, meine Zuversicht

    Tracks:

    1. Cantata No.202 -The Wedding - Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten: Aria
    2. Cantata No.202 -The Wedding - Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten: Recitative
    3. Cantata No.202 -The Wedding - Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten: Aria
    4. Cantata No.202 -The Wedding - Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten: Recitative
    5. Cantata No.202 -The Wedding - Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten: Aria
    6. Cantata No.202 -The Wedding - Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten: Recitative
    7. Cantata No.202 -The Wedding - Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten: Aria
    8. Cantata No.202 -The Wedding - Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten: Recitative
    9. Cantata No.202 -The Wedding - Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten: Gavotte
    10. Cantata No.209, Non sa che sia dolore: Sinfonia
    11. Cantata No.209, Non sa che sia dolore: Recitative
    12. Cantata No.209, Non sa che sia dolore: Aria
    13. Cantata No.209, Non sa che sia dolore: Recitative
    14. Cantata No.209, Non sa che sia dolore: Aria
    15. Cantata No.51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen: Aria
    16. Cantata No.51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen: Recitative and andante
    17. Cantata No.51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen: Aria
    18. Cantata No.51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen: Chorale and Alleluja
    Bach 2000 Light (Without Sacred Cantatas)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Bach 2000 Light (Without Sacred Cantatas)
      Various Conductors , Various Performers , and Various Ensembles
      Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      AllemandesAllemandes | Baroque Dance Suites | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
      MinuetsMinuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
      TriosTrios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by Carl Philipp Emman. BachAll Works by Carl Philipp Emman. Bach | Bach, Carl Philipp Emman. | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by J.S. BachAll Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by HeinichenAll Works by Heinichen | Heinichen, Johann David | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      CanonsCanons | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      ConcertinosConcertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      Concerto GrossiConcerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      FantasiesFantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      FuguesFugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      InventionsInventions | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      CanzonesCanzones | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      SonatinasSonatinas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      Trio SonatasTrio Sonatas | Sonatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      SinfoniaSinfonia | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      ToccatasToccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      PassacagliasPassacaglias | Variations | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      ScherzoScherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      VariationsVariations | Forms & Genres | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      OrganOrgan | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      FluteFlute | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      OboeOboe | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      CelloCello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      LuteLute | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      ViolinViolin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
      Academy of Ancient MusicAcademy of Ancient Music | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraBerlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraVienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Baroque (c.1600-1750)Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      CantatasCantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      OratoriosOratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      CantatasCantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      CapricesCaprices | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MagnificatsMagnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      OratoriosOratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      PassionsPassions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      PsalmsPsalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ClassicalClassical | 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

      Volume 8, 10 Discs
      The Orchestral Works The Concertos & Orchestral Suite; 10 CDs; Il Giardino Armonico, Harnoncourt, Leonhardt
      Christian Ruppe: Christmas Cantata / Easter Cantata
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Christian Ruppe: Christmas Cantata / Easter Cantata

        Manufacturer: NM Classics
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B0000264EB
        Release Date: 2007-02-20
        C.E.F.Weyse: Christmas & Easter Cantatas Schonwandt
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          C.E.F.Weyse: Christmas & Easter Cantatas Schonwandt

          Manufacturer: Dacapo/Marco Polo/BMG
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD
          ASIN: B000CRCPFY

          Product Description

          Tracks 1. - 7. are Christmas Cantata No. 3 (Sing and Rejoice, O World in Thy Gladness). Tracks 8. - 15. are Easter Cantata No. 1 (Hail O Hail Thu Dawn of Life Arising.
          Telemann: Harmonischer Gottesdienst, Cantatas for Easter & Pentecost
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Telemann: Harmonischer Gottesdienst, Cantatas for Easter & Pentecost

            Manufacturer: Capriccio
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            Telemann, Georg PhilippTelemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B000023X7W
            Release Date: 1999-11-02
            Telemann: Harmonischer Gottesdienst, Cantatas for Easter & Pentecost
            Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
            • Rarely Recorded Cantatas
            Telemann: Harmonischer Gottesdienst, Cantatas for Easter & Pentecost

            Manufacturer: Capriccio
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            Telemann, Georg PhilippTelemann, Georg Philipp | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Telemann, Georg Philipp | Composers | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
            GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B00000DD0N
            Release Date: 1998-08-25

            Tracks:

            1. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.17 : Aria
            2. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.17 : Recitativo
            3. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.17 : Aria
            4. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.19 : Aria
            5. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.19 : Recitativo
            6. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.19 : Aria
            7. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.21 : Aria
            8. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.21 : Recitativo
            9. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.21 : Aria
            10. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.28 : Aria
            11. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.28 : Recitativo
            12. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.28 : Aria
            13. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.31 : Aria
            14. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.31 : Recitativo
            15. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.31 : Aria
            16. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.32 : Aria
            17. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.32 : Recitativo
            18. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.32 : Aria
            19. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.33 : Aria
            20. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.33 : Recitativo
            21. Harmonischer Gottesdienst: Kantate No.33 : Aria

            Amazon.com

            Nowadays we may think of Bach as the great German Baroque composer, but in his own day Telemann was much more famous and more widely published. No doubt this is in part because Telemann knew his market. Take, for example, his most famous vocal collection: Harmonischer Gottesdienst is a cycle of cantatas for every Sunday and feast day in the Lutheran calendar. Telemann made sure the entire series was accessible to churches with limited resources--and even to musicians in private homes: all the cantatas have the same format (aria-recitative-aria) and scoring (one singer, one solo instrument, and continuo); extremes of vocal range and virtuosity are avoided. You might think that so many cantatas for so few musicians make for dull, limited music--in fact, Telemann's way with a tune and a text transcends these limitations with aplomb. (The combination of inventiveness and prolific output reminds one of Vivaldi.) For a collection so popular in its own time, Harmonischer Gottesdienst has made few appearances on CD; this disc of seven cantatas from the set is the best one available so far--and, happily, it's the least expensive. This group of German specialists in period practice (performing without a conductor) brings a winning combination of zest and sensitivity to the music. Soprano Monika Frimmer is a bit shrill at times but delivers the text particularly well; tenor Bernhard Hirtreiter combines nimbleness with an interesting baritonal quality; bass Gotthold Schwartz and soprano Petra Kötz-Geitner sing with infectious verve and beautiful tone. --Matthew Westphal

            Customer Reviews:

            5 out of 5 stars Rarely Recorded Cantatas.......2005-03-24

            The works on this recording:

            1. Cantata No. 17 "Du bist verflucht" Am Sonntage Laetare, TWV 1:385
            2. Cantata No. 19 "Gott will Mensch und sterblich werden" Am Feste der Verkundigung Mariae, TWV 1:694
            3. Cantata No. 21 "Weg mit Sodoms gift'gen Fruchten" Am Ersten Osterfeiertage, TWV 1:1534
            4. Cantata No. 28 "Deine Toten werden leben" Auf Rogate, TWV 1:546
            5. Cantata No. 31 "Zischet nur" Am Ersten Pfingstfeiertage, TWV 1:1732
            6. Cantata No. 32 "Schmuckt das frohe Fest mit Maien" Am Zweiten Pfingsteiertage, TWV 1:1256
            7. Cantata No. 33 "Ergeuss dich zur Salbung" Am Dritten Pfingsteiertage, TWV 1:447

            Track Listings:

            1. Fanfare
            2. Faure: Pelléas et Mélisande, suite for orchestra Op80
            3. Frauenliebe und Leben - Works by Schumann, Schubert & Brahms
            4. Frohes Fest! Merry Christmas!
            5. Guido Cantelli Interpreta Gabrieli, Brahms, Bartok
            6. Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 22, 78 & 82
            7. Henryk Wieniawski: Virtuoso Showpieces
            8. Herrmann: Symphony No1; Fantasticks
            9. In Dulci Jubilo
            10. Ives: Songs, Vol.2

            Track Listings

            track listings

            Track Listings

            BBC Session/Long Distance [Live]

            Dupre: Music for Organ [Import]

            Hotel

            Bewitched

            Litanies of Satan

            I Got Caught

            Jazz In Paris: Broken Wing [Import] [Original recording remastered]

            Chopin: Ballads/Andante Spianato

            Here in the Real World

            Jazz at the Philharmonic: The Oscar Peterson Trio Set [Live]

            Gravikords, Whirlies & Pyrophones: Experimental Musical Instruments

            Innoncence Is Running Out [Import]

            Flip & Fill [Import]

            Worthy

            Our Sound