Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Ghent Collegium Vocale, Carolyn Sampson :: Christmas Cantatas From Leipzig

Revelatory

R. Gerard | Pennsylvania USA | 01/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this disc not expecting much. I have already acquired Cantata, "Christen Atzet diesen Tag" by Ton Koopmand and Herreweghe has already recorded the Magnificat, which many revere as their favorite rendition of Bach's BWV 243.



Herreweghe sure has changed during the years; those who have called his recordings lacking in drama and excitement -if not already affected by his 1999 St. Matthew Passion- will find this latest release a revelation.



Four cantatas and the Bach's first version of the famous Magnificat are included here. Ingeborg Danz, a favorite of mine, is becoming a regular it seems on Herreweghe's recordings for Harmonia Mundi. Mark Padmore offers brilliant renditions as well. Dorthee Blotzky-Mields, the soprano on the first disc, may be a new, unfamiliar name to many, but should have a promising career ahead of her. The young lady has the boyishness and clarity which goes perfectly with the music.



The Magnificat BWV 243a is must be heard to be believed. It is a totally different "animal" than the one Herreweghe has already recorded. Bach's first go at the Magnificat included Laudes, or motets (about 3 or 4 in both German and Latin) inserted into the Magnificat itself, making it suitable for a Christmas service. Compared to the only other recording of BWV 243a I own (under the baton of Helmuth Rilling) this one is a definite winner, and surpasses even Herreweghe's own recording. He sure has raised the bar he himself has already raised to high.



Herreweghe sure has worked on his "Dramatics" this past decade, and it definitely shows.



"Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ" with horns and timpani, "Christen Aetzet diesen Tag" and the first "Magnificat," with kettledrums and multiple trumpets-- These are Bach's works with BIG sounds. I'm glad this issue is now offered in SACD. It will do this moving recording justice."