Search - J.S. Bach, Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra :: Complete Cantatas 6

Koopman's sixth volume contains many lesser-known gems. Only the reverent BWV 104 and gutsy little BWV 50 have been widely recorded before; the remaining cantatas feature gorgeous solos with obbligato flute, oboe d'amore, violin, or trumpet (the colorful period instruments skillfully handled) and choruses ranging from penitent (haunting dissonances in BWV 75) to jubilant (Bach's full trumpet-and-drum mode in BWV 76, 190, and 69). The soloists are outstanding--especially Ziesak, pure but not pallid, and eloquent, sweet-voiced Agnew, perhaps the best tenor ever to record this repertory. While the chorus and orchestra do spotless work, Koopman's direction sounds complacent. Still, there's wonderful music here you won't find better-performed elsewhere. --Matthew Westphal