Search - Bernarda Fink, Jan Freiheit, Maria Cristina Kiehr :: Bach: Motets

Supreme Music - Supreme Performance

John Middleton | Auckland, NZ | 03/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Everything about this CD is a winner. Time and again this superb German choir proves itself to be the ultimate in this genre. Clarity of line and diction, purity of sound, apt style and expressiveness, impeccable intonation and technique, they have got it all. If a whole CD of choral music scares you off, then you have to try this one. There is not a hint of monotony or overkill. You won't want it to end. These gifts from Bach could not sound any fresher or more appealing."

A voice teacher and early music fan

George Peabody | Planet Earth | 07/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

""BACH MOTETS ARE AMONG HIS MOST PERFECT WORKS AND CONSTITUTE ONE OF THE SUMMITS OF WESTERN POLYPHONY". Whether they are festive in nature or intended for funeral services, these six pieces for small choir are striking in their musical variety, as well as in the perfect fusion of the words and music.



Unlike Bach's sacred cantatas, the Passions and oratorios that were all written as part of Bach's duties as the Cantor of St.Thomas's, the motets were written on commission for specific occasions, and therefore occupy a special place in his output. Moreover, they are distantly different from other large church compositions, in that they are predominantly vocal in character. Finally, the motets are distinguished by a tendency to the individualism of each separate work. To be sure, this applies to all of Bach's works, but in other groups of 'sets'of compositions there is a more pronounced relationship between the individual pieces than in the motets, which are dominated by features peculiar to each one of them. The vocal treatment in the motets is ore varied than it is in most of his other music. One reason for this might be that hs was attempting to compensate for the absence of oblicgato instruments that lend so much color and variety to the cantatas, Passions and oratorios.



The six motets are entitled: 'Singet dem Herm ein neues Lied' (Sing unto the Lord a new song.)BWV 225 - 'Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf' (Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities)BWV226 - 'Jesu, Meine Freude' (Jesus, my joy) BWV227 - 'Furchte dich nicht' (Fear not)BWV228 - 'Komm, Jesu, Komm' (Come, Jesu, come) BWV229 - 'Lobet den Herm, alle Heiden' (Oh praise the Lord, all you nations).



There are five experienced singers in this group: sopranos=Sibylla Rubens, Maria Christina Kiehr, Alto Bernarda Fink, Tenor Gerd Turk and basse Peter Kooy. The names alone inform you of the quality of the singing on this recording; absolutely superior in every aspect. I was particularly taken with the voice of Gerd Turk, so resonant and vital sounding, In addition to the full choral parts, there are several arias, a few trios and a couple of duets. Much variety and interest here for all Early Music lovers.



One has to give credit to Rene Jacobs, who I personally prefer as a director than singer (just my opinion), but he does know how to bring about an excellent vocal production; Bach would be happy to hear this disc, I am sure!



The album is neatly packaged and accompanied by a 35 page booklet with pertinent information and a complete text in German, French and English."