Following on from Bach: Cantatas through the Liturgical Year, Vol. 2 - Kuijken, this is yet another great disc from Kuijken et al. The same general introduction to Bach's style of composition in these Cantata's is still present and would make interesting reading for all those who are less familiar with these works and also for those looking to see how a musician such as Bach married the texts to the music - and now how performers like Kuijken analyse the works to form their interpretations. As before, there is a second booklet that discusses the compositions included on this SACD. Also, like the previous releases the orchestra is almost one-per-part and the chorus is one-per-part.

The cantatas on this disc are those for Candlemas and the 8th and 10th Sundays after Trinity:
Ich habe genug - BWV 82
Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält - BWV 178
Herr, deine Augen sehen nach dem Glauben - BWV 102

Ich habe genug is one of the "famous" Cantata's and as such, makes this volume of the cycle a good point for those who are unsure to sample the musicianship on display in the other parts of this cycle. Fortunately for all those who love Bach, Kuijken & his ensemble does not let the music down; the opening plaintive oboe melody is wonderfully done and Jan Van der Crabben matches this phrase for phrase - it is achingly beautiful. The rest of this Cantata is just as good and it really transports the spirit into another place.

When the other three vocal artists (Elisabeth Hermans, Petra Noskaiová & Christoph Genz) join, the blend is lovely and they match the assurance and musicality that was displayed in BWV 82. From the opening chorus of BWV 178 to the concluding chorus of BWV 102, the same sort of musical journey is offered, although it is perhaps not quite as deep as BWV 82.

The recording is also very good, with the acoustic of the Predikherenkerk (Leuven) providing the most pleasing sound in the series yet and it may be considered ideal for this repertoire.

Highly recommended - if you're a Bach fan and haven't been tempted, this is a "must try".

Copyright © 2006 John Broggio and HRAudio.net

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