Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

First, some warnings. No, scrap that. First let us applaud an excellent release of four cantatas played and sung supremely well and at a very affordable price. Now the caveats. This recording has been available as a German edition since 2007 (as Naxos 8.570453D) so if you are in the habit of buying Bach on import you may wish to check before ordering this one. Also I should point out that I have classified this as Choral when perhaps Vocal would be more accurate. The Cologne Bach Vocal Ensemble is featured and what they do they do well but really this collection is a showcase for the splendid Norwegian Soprano Siri Karoline Thornhill who is outstanding. If you have any interest in vocal music you should hear this, even if Bach sends you to sleep - as if Bach could ever be dull. The four cantatas featured include the popular "Praise God in all lands!" (BWV 51), in which singer and solo trumpet engage in thrilling displays of virtuosity. In the other cantatas, Bach provides equally beautiful obligatio parts for violin, viola, and oboe all expertly played by members of the Cologne Chamber Orchestra. Over than the opening sinfonia from 'False world, I trust thee not' (BWV 52) which is borrowed from the first movement of his 'Brandenburg Concerto No. 1' Bach is his typically inventive self and even the sombrely titled "My heart swims in blood" (BWV 199) is full of his customary good spirits. In all, an enjoyable collection with some outstanding singing.

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