Search - Heinichen, Goebel, Musica Antiqua Koln :: Johann David Heinichen: Lamentationes, etc.

Mainly for Bach collectors but grows on you

09/16/1998

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Heinichen was not only a contemporary of Bach he also moved in the same circles. The main interest on this 2CD set, the oratorio Nicht das Band das dich bestricket, was first performed in Dresden the very same Sunday in 1724 on which Bach premiered his St. John Passion in Leipzig, and after Heinichen (two years his senior) died Bach applied for the higher profile vacant position in Dresden. Historical curiousity aside the Oratorio and a thundering solo bass setting of Warum toben die Heiden are actually pretty good. Certainly as good as some of Telemann's or even Bach's lesser known works. The only strange thing about this set is Archiv's decision to release one 59'11" CD of Latin Lamentations and Psalms together with another 70'01" CD of German works. One can't help wondering if Heinichen would have been better served by splitting them up, as he himself did for contemporary audiences. That said the music on the Latin disc is just as good as on the German one. If you like Biber and Telemann you'll like this."

More great Baroque music

Bruce Bogin | rural France | 01/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I came across this work in my search for more music by Heinichen which I had earlier discovered in my search for music by Zelenka. These two are among my very favorite Baroque composers. Notwithstanding the previous three star review I went ahead and bought this two disc set. It is absolutely great music. I know I repeat myself, but it is difficult to find superlatives. The first disc with the Latin hymns is fine, but the second disc with the oratorio Nicht Das Band absolutely blew me out of the ballpark. This is great music."