Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

It is a truth universally agreed that Johann Sebastian Bach never wrote a poor piece of music and in Masaaki Suzuki and the Bach Collegium Japan it is safe to say that he has found another accomplished interpreter. There are three cantatas on this SACD. All were first performed in 1725 in the Thomaskirche in Leipzig, where Bach was employed. The first one, "Wie Schön Leuchtet Der Morgenstern" (BWV 1) ("How Beautifully Shines The Morning Star") celebrates the Annunciation in suitably jubilant manner. "Erhalt Uns, Herr, Bei Deinem Wort" (BWV 126) ("Preserve Us, Lord, By Your Word") is based on the parable of the Sower. "Herr Jesu Christ, Wahr' Mensch Und Gott" (BWV 127) ("Lord Jesus Christ, True Man And God") is based on a hymn written by Paul Eber, a pupil of Phillipp Melanchthon. Listeners who have heard any of the releases in this series can be assured that the performances are just as good. The chorus and orchestra are Japanese but the soloists are European: Robin Blaze (counter-tenor), Gerd Türk (tenor), Peter Kooij (bass) and the outstanding Carolyn Sampson (soprano). To single out Miss Sampson for special praise is not meant to imply that the other soloists are less than good but hers is the voice that stood out for this reviewer.

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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