Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, René Jacobs, Berlin Akademie für Alte Musik :: J. S. Bach: Motets [Hybrid SACD]

A voice teacher and early music fan

George Peabody | Planet Earth | 01/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'BACH'S MOTETS ARE AMONG HIS MOST PERFECT WORKS AND CONSITUTE 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 extraordinary musical variety, as well as in the perfect fusion of the words and music.



Unlike Bach's sacred cantatas, the Passions and the 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 distinctly different from other large church compositions, in that they are predomintly vocal in character. Finally , the motets are distinguished by a tendency to the individualism of each separate work. This, of course, can be applied to all of Bach's works, but in other 'sets' of compositions there is more of a 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 more varied than it is in most of his other music. One reason for this might be that he is attempting to compensate for the absence of obligato instruments that lend so much color and variety to the cantatas, Passions and oratorios.



The translation for the title of each motet follows: 'Singet dem Herm ein neues Lied' (Sing unto the Lord a new song)- 'Der geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf' (Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities)- 'Jesu meine Freude'(Jesu,my joy)- 'Furchte dich nicht' (Fear not)- 'Komm, Jesu, komm' (Come, Jesu,come)- 'Lobet den Herm, alle Heiden' (Oh praise the Lord, all ye nations).



Rene Jacobs has done his usual great job of pulling this altogether into one cohesive rendition. The singers are outstanding and perform their solos, etc. with accomplished artistry. I expecially liked the tenor voice of Gerd Turk; his sound is so resonant and clear which makes for a neatly done Bach aria. All in all it's a great Bach experience."