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Piotr Jaworski wrote (October 24, 2001):
Here it finally is - the 15th volume of the most exciting on-going "complete" recording project (IMVHO!) - JSB's Cantatas performed by Bach Collegium Japan choir and orchestra, directed by Masaaki Suzuki (BIS
1111).
Soloists:
Yukari Nonoshita - soprano
Robin Blaze - counter-tenor
Gerd Türk - tenor
Peter Kooij - bass
Programme:
"Darzu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes" BWV 40,
"O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort" BWV 60,
"Wachet, betet, seid bereit" BWV 70,
"Es reißet euch ein schrecklich Ende" BWV 90.
For those who like numbers this a mysterious volume - 1111, 40, 60, 70, 90 .... ;-)
Frankly - there is no 'weak' cantata on this disc (and please, don't blame for using the word in the context of JSB output!; there are some relatively 'weak' cantatas ....). First we have Cantata BWV 40, with joyful opening chorus. I'd say, this is Bach in the Nutshell, since during fifteen minutes there are quite many different, short movements, wonderful orchestral playing, great choruses and captivating arias (see GT - track 7 - "Christenkinder, freuchet euch!")
BWV 40 is a small-scale masterpiece, but here we go from good to better - the first treasure within this set is definitely Cantata BWV 60, with fantastic dialogues - in form of duets and recitatives - between 'Fear' (Blaze) and 'Hope' (Türk). Magic accompaniment of the two oboes d'amore has to be mentioned here - in both 'Arias' and the final 'Chorale'.
Cantata BWV 70 (the second treasure!) begins with the glorious, magnificent, almost alerting 'Chorus' - opening words "Watch, pray, be prepared!!!" can't better sound with this splendid music. Extraordinary.
Robin Blaze aria "Wenn kommt der Tag..." with Hidemi Suzuki on cello is great.
As much as tenor aria "Hebt euer Haupt..." with wonderful instrumental (oboe!) introduction.
Cantata BWV 90 - is mainly one-man show - Gerd Türk again, singing one aria and one recitative, however, for a while, Peter Kooij takes the scene with stunning aria "So loschet im Eifer..". Blaze contribution is also very good one ... so altogether three actors in fact. Of the whole recording .. since Nonoshita sings only one aria (in BWV 70, first part).
Great, great, great recording. Worth of waiting, worth of the whole eagerness, absolutely better than the previous one - 14th - probably one of the five best volumes yet. So much to enjoy! Write down the catalogue number for your 'wish-lists' then: BIS 1111. A marvel. Wholeheartedly recommends
Piotr - The Happy One ...for a while of listening :-) |
