Johann Sebastian Bach, Bach Collegium Japan, Masaaki Suzuki - Cantatas 38

Published Monday 31st March 2008
Johann Sebastian Bach, Bach Collegium Japan, Masaaki Suzuki - Cantatas 38
Johann Sebastian Bach, Bach Collegium Japan, Masaaki Suzuki  - Cantatas 38

STYLE: Choral
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 45511-12793
LABEL: BIS SACD1631
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

The four cantatas on this excellent SACD (playable on any CD player) come from Bach's fourth year in Leipzig, either side of Christmas 1726. During this time the composer showed a preference for solo cantata forms with the text being entrusted to a single voice and the choir entering only for the concluding chorale. The cantatas here are "False World, I Do Not Trust You" (BWV 52) sung by the soprano Carolyn Sampson, "I Am Content" (BWV 82) with bass singer Peter Kooij, "Imperfect Man, Thrall Of Sin" (BWV 55) with tenor Gerd Turk, and "Oh God, How Much Unhappiness" (BWV 58) which features soprano and bass in combination. Why Bach started to use this form of cantata at this time is open to debate. Perhaps his soloists at the time were stronger than his choir or maybe he was trying to save rehearsal time as he started work on the 'St Matthew Passion'. If you wish to investigate further read Klaus Hofmann's interesting notes in the CD booklet. As to the recording, it is as good as any in the series and the three soloists are in particularly fine voice.

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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