Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Peter Schreier, Berlin Chamber Orchestra :: Bach: Secular Cantatas [Box Set]

YOUNGER GENERATION LEIPZIG SCHOOL

L. E. Roberts | Escondido, CA | 05/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album on Archiv LP some years ago, and it has been a favorite of mine ever since. Getting it on CD was something I had been trying to do for several years. If you like the Gunther Ramin, Wilhelm Ehmann and Karl Richter style of cantati, this is probably the best collection of the secular cantati available. Unfortunately, none of those three recorded very much of the non-sacred choral music of Bach. Peter Schreier's conducting (and tenor voice and choral experience), the Kammerorchester Berlin, and the other soloists make this a superb recording as well as a good reference recording."

Outstanding in every way

Christopher Wist | Sterling, VA | 02/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased Brilliant Classics' 155 CD set of the complete works of J.S. Bach and have listened to about 3/4 of it so far. To my amateur ear, the performances in general strike me as quite fine. But even in a set distinguished by its uniform excellence, these renditions of the secular cantatas deserve to be singled out, for they are very special indeed. Brilliant Classics and Amazon are to be commended for making them available separately for those who are not ready to take the "complete works" plunge (amazing bargain though it is).



The roster of soloists reads like a veritable "Who's Who" of the very best in late 20th century European vocal talent; e.g., Peter Schreier, Lucia Popp, Edith Mathis and Theo Adam. All of them more than live up to their well-deserved reputations in these performances. The Berlin Chamber Orchestra similarly covers itself with glory, playing with the combination of gusto, refinement that the music itself demands. The recordings are superbly engineered, with a pleasing natural sound and balance between soloists, chorus, orchestra and continuo.



As interpretations, I am sure these performances will stand the test of time, for they are not intended to advance the case for any particular "school" of performance practice, but simply to serve the cause of the composer and music. This they do with consummate skill, artistry and taste. Tempi are finely judged and ornamentation is tastefully employed, yet the performances convey a sense of joy and spontaneity as well.



How do they manage this? Sad to say, I have not the slightest idea. (If I knew the answer (and had the talent) I would be making music, not writing about it.) In any case, trends and fads in performance may come and go, but I predict that these recordings will continue to amaze and delight many a music lover in generations yet to come. As far as that goes, I am reminded of the famous words of Wanda Landowska, who, when debating interpretive approaches to Bach with another artist who did not share her views, said, "Fine, my dear. You play it your way, and I will play it Bach's way." I believe that Bach would have more than pleased with how his art is served by these fine performances.

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A superb set at a bargain price

Dr MM NYSDOT | Albany, NY USA | 01/25/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A magnificent recording of Bach's secular cantatas from an amazing enseble of performers. Theo Adam is a legendary Bach interpreter since his recordings with Karl Richter and the Munchener Bach Orchestra. A must possession for any Bach afficionado!"