A superb follow on from previous editions even though the sonic problems remain (although largely corrected from volume 7).

This volume is dedicated to the 2nd to 5th Sundays after Epiphany (the 5th is also called Septuagesima) with the cantatas "Meine Seufzer, meine Tranen" BWV 13, "Herr, wie du willt, so schick's mit wir" BWV 73, "Jesus schlaft, was soll ich hoffen" BWV 81 and "Nimm, was dein ist, und gehe ihn" BWV 144.

The disc presents the works in numerical order and so opens with one of Bach's (and all of music's) most poignant and tragic utterances. Christoph Genz is the inspired tenor soloist in the opening aria and together with La Petite Bande, the directness and poise is almost unbearable. Little respite is found in the remainder of the cantata and the contributions of the other singers are equally distinguished, if less taxing on both themselves and the listener. Quite remarkable in every respect and an easy highlight from this series.

The remaining cantatas are less emotionally painful (not too hard to achieve!) and gives more opportunities to shine for the other vocal soloists (Gerlinde Samann - soprano, Petra Noskaiova - alto, Jan Van der Crabben - bass). It is hard to single out other instances of greatness comparable to Christoph Genz's contributions but Noskaiova's aria in BWV 144 comes close.

Like Bach: Cantatas through the Liturgical Year, Vol. 7 - Kuijken, this is recorded in Predikherenker, Leuven (Belgium). The reverberation time seems to have diminished or at least impinges far less on the music - perhaps in the intervening 6 months, they found better microphone placements. As the music on this disc is less densely contrapuntal, the resultant echo is far less of a problem than before and fortunately does not blight such marvellous music making.

Very highly recommended despite the recording venue.

Copyright © 2010 John Broggio and HRAudio.net

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