Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

When a composer and librettist are trying to tell a story often they are forced to use recitative to move along the plot. Such is the case here. The story is well known. The words by Karl Ramler (and translated in the accompanying booklet) are rather good. It is just that there are too many for my taste. It does not bother me to hear recitative in English but German is another matter. My loss, I expect. Once we rise above this problem there is much to appreciate. C. P. E. Bach wrote some splendid tunes and the final chorus (“God Ascends With Rejoicing”) raises the roof. The singing by Ex Tempore and the playing by La Petite Bande are praiseworthy. If you understand German or are happy to let it wash over you this is an excellent disc. If following a text in translation or using the fast-forward button bothers you then you may not return to this too often.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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