"I believe all Bach cantatas not just the well known belong in the collection of all who love classical music. I have found that they are concentrated masterpieces. And each one is completely different. I am enamored of Rilling's cycle because of the complete dedication he and his performers give to each work they perform. The only people who will not like Rilling are those who insist on period instruments( I have tried Gardiner and one Koopman but I like Rilling the best) ) I love the booklets that explain each canata and what to look for in them in order to best appreciate Bach's mastery of finding the best way to express the words.
Since the BWV numbers are not sequential this disc contains works from different parts of Bach's life.
BMV 41 Be praised now, O Lord Jesus Christ is a chorale cantata performed at New Year's originally is striking for it's soprano aria accompanied by oboes where she sweetly asks God that her new year begin and end with a "hallelujah singing", a tenor aria accompanied by cello and piccolo that brought tears to my eyes and a powerful concluding chorus using a full orchestra.
BWV 42 The evening though, Of the very same Sabbath was performed on the first Sunday after Easter begins with a concerto like string sinfonia contrasting with oboes and bassoons that is quite beautiful. This is followed by a twelve minute alto aria "When two or three are assembled are for Jesus's precious name which is one of the most stirring pieces of music I have ever heard. Unfortunately I only know that Marga Hoeffgen or Julia Hamari are responsible for this perfect performance. I am still trembling. This is followed by a shorter bass aria and chorale which is notable because it was the only cantata mentioning the good o life on earth.
Buy as many Rilling Bach as you can afford
Please excuse typos i have a neurological disease.