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Masaaki Suzuki & Bach Collegium Japan
Cantatas Vol. 21
Cantatas BWV 65, BWV 81, BWV 83, BWV 190 |
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As requested – Suzuki volume 21 |
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Piotr Jawrski wrote (May 5, 2003):
Peter Bright wrote:
< Back to Bach and speaking of Suzuki, I notice that volume 21 of the Cantata series has just been released (in the UK at least). Has anyone heard this yet? Comments? I know that Piotr Jaworski has got it. Come on Piotr - what's it like??? >
Dear Peter - Indeed!
Volume 21 of this - let me make my point clear from the very beginning - the Most Interesting Cantatas Series Ever made - is available here and there.
The said disc (BIS 1311) contains four cantatas from 1724: BWV 65, 81, 83 and 190.
Two entire parts of the last cantata had been reconstructed by Masaaki Suzuki and his son - Masato.
Vocal forces are: Robin Blaze, James Gilchrist and Peter Kooij.
All four works are certainly among the most interesting JSB cantatas.
I was listening to this recording several times beginning from the last Thursday (we had long 4-days weekend here!) and I must say that this is probably one of the best recordings of the whole series - probably I wouldn't be far from truth saying - Top Three!
More comments - later on - maybe during the day .... Peter wrote me that this disc should be available in the UK from today! Don't waste your time Britons - go get this CD - it's unbelievably beautiful and perfectly performed.
Since the long weekend produced almost 70 BRL posts in my mail-box, I'd like to refer (very briefly) to few topics.
'Japanese Bach' and "restrained interpretation' - as referred by Johann. Johann! Buy or lend this last Suzuki recording - then we will continue. I know that we evaluate this whole series in the different way (the difference is, however, not that 'dramatic'). For me - those 'Japanese readings' are the closest to my on concept of the baroque sacred cantata, closest to JSB sacred music - in general. If anyone would ever try to 'convert' me to Christianity - should not forget about these recordings. I never came across the more powerful 'arguments'.
Again on McCreesh SMP. What made me really impressed is that so many 'contra' opinions had been expressed by the people who did not listen to this recording at all or only to several 'clips' in the store or on the Internet. I very much wonder any sensible discussion on ... let's say a book - based on 10 pages from the third chapter. But this could be quite ... thought provoking experience ....
I was really amazed to see how the discussion on the particular recording (initially!) subsequently turned to the bizarre exchange on 'national qualities'.
I can imagine that my 8-years son's justification "I don't like it because I don't like it!" suits to his age, from grown-ups - especially critics and musicians - I'd rather expect at least some arguments. No emotions, no frustrations, no sentiments - but arguments. Unfortunately our recent discussion on McCreesh SMP reminds me our home dispute on the subject "why do I have to brush my teeth?!".
Finally, from the bright side of affairs - ZBICZEK!!!!! Finally you decided!!!! Beware guys! Having in mind that Zbiczek reinforced the 'female' faction on the List, adding her inflammatory unHIPness (there ain't no cure for that???) and the power of her argumentation - you will never rest in self contentment... ;-)
All the best for all and special hug for Zbiczek! |
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Kirk McElhearn wrote (May 5, 2003):
Piotr Jaworski wrote:
< Finally, from the bright side of affairs - ZBICZEK!!!!! Finally you decided!!!! Beware guys! Having in mind that Zbiczek reinforced the 'female' faction on the List, adding her inflammatory unHIPness (there ain't no cure for that???) and the power of her argumentation – you will never rest in self contentment... ;-) >
It might not make a big difference, but it helps to know that Zbiczek is a female name! |
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Piotr Jaworski wrote (May 5, 2003):
[To Kirk McElhearn] I can only pray that Zbiczek's eyes are not transmitting lethal dose of gamma rays in my direction ...;-)) |
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Peter Bright wrote (May 5, 2003):
[To Piotr Jaworski] Thank you for your comments on Suzuki's vol. 21, Piotr - I can only agree with you that is is another wonderful addition to an important series. The only question I have right now is with respect to the complete reconstruction of movements 1 and 2 from 190. The first movement sounds wonderful (and certainly full of passion!) but does it sound like Bach? – to me it is more like Purcell on acid!!! The second is very unusual - a rather disjointed combination of recitative and chorus. I'm so glad Suzuki has included this cantata as it is most impressive (and the remaining movements have survived practically complete). Harnoncourt and Leonhardt, for example, did not include it because of the missing movements.
The 'Bachness' of those movements not withstanding, this is a life-affirming joy from beginning to end. |
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Kirk McElhearn wrote (May 5, 2003):
Piotr Jaworski wrote:
< I can only pray that Zbiczek's eyes are not transmitting lethal dose of gamma rays in my direction ...;-)) >
Why, is it a secret?
I sometimes wish we could have a gallery of photos of the frequent posters - it makes a difference when you know what the person you write to looks like. As it is, everyone looks like just plain lines of text...
This said, here's a picture of me: http://www.mcelhearn.com/go.html |
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Peter Bright wrote (March 5, 2003):
[To Kirk McElhearn] OK, I'll take the plunge too: http://csl.psychol.cam.ac.uk/pbright.htm |
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Piotr Jaworski wrote (May 5, 2003):
[To Peter Bright] You have it already??? Do they open CD stores that early in Cambridge?! ;-) First movement of BWV 190 Purcell-on-acid-like...? Cmon! How to "sing unto Lord a news song" if not like that way?! Or is it the first place in JSB music (cantata!) when you want to dance, to run, to jump in the great joy!?? No. I find Masato Suzuki vision very accurate and really convincing. And as you said - wonderful. H & L decide to leave this piece aside, Koopman and Suzuki - au contraire. Without going into dispute who was right - we can enjoy one more splendid cantata, that's what really counts. |
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Peter Bright wrote (May 5, 2003):
[To Piotr Jaworski] Luckily, we have a classical music store that seems to cheat and offer the discs on the Saturday before - so I rushed down and lo and behold, there it was waiting for me! And that 'missing' first movement - as I say, it is great! It really grabs interest and doesn't let go - but it still sounds more 'Music for Queen Mary" than anything I associate with Bach! And, you are right - those who still stand by stereotypesof particular nationalities could do well with listening to this disc... |
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Bob Henderson wrote (May 5, 2003):
"Purcell on acid."! I can't wait! But unfortunately I am informed that Volumn 21 will not be available in the states till mid May. |
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Piotr Jaworski wrote (May 5, 2003):
[To Bob Henderson] Probably God, having learned recently so much about so many American advantages in early music music decided to smile finally to Britons and other Europeans first ... ;-))) |
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Bob Henderson wrote (May 5, 2003):
[To Piotr Jaworski] If we can wait 12 years for the completion of the series, I guess we can wait two weeks for V 21! Thanks for your reviews; we can now only anticipate; keep us Suzuki poor Americans abrest! |
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BIS vol. 21 |
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Thomas Shepherd wrote (May 6, 2003):
Released this week in the UK: http://www.bis.se/frlatest.htm
My son has just bought a copy from HMV stores a copy for my (51th) birthday on Friday. Can't wait....
Bach Collegium Japan V.21 |
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Bob Henderson wrote (May 31, 2003):
Singet dem Herrn ein neues Leid!
Die Gemeine der Heiligen soll ihn loben.
Sing a new song! Maasaki Suzuki has given us the gift of a full - of - wonder reconstructed first and second parts. A new song indeed! Joyous and full.
Lobet ihn mit Pauken und Reigen,
lobet ihn mit Saiten und Pfeifen!
Herr Gott, dich loben wir!
The BCJ has never sounded better! What energy! With timbrel and dance, with stringed instruments and organs.
Suzuki has outdone himself with this best of this already outstanding series.
Alleluja! |
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