Overview
Bach: Cantatas
Although he did compose many bright and cheerful instrumental works for princes and kings, Bach composed far more somber works for the Lutheran Church. Appropriately, then, three of the four works on this 2007 disc are cantatas whose dark and gloomy nature is proclaimed in their titles -- "Wir müssen durch viel Trübsal" (We must through much tribulation) (BWV 146), "Ich habe genug" (It is enough) (BWV 82a), and "Mein Herz Scwimmt in Blut" (My heart swims in blood) (BWV 199) -- while the fourth is the no less dark albeit not quite as gloomy instrumental "Orchestral Suite in B minor" (BWV 1067). No matter how grim the subject matter, the Florilegium ensemble and soprano Johannette Zomer turn in performances of such attractive enthusiasm and appealing energy that it's hard to get depressed. Zomer has a strong, clean but expressive voice, and she does a superb job of breathing life into Bach's music. The 10-member Florilegium ensemble is a light, tight, and effective period instrument chamber orchestra with excellent soloists in organist James Johnstone (the Sinfonia from "Cantata 146") and flutist Ashley Solomon (the "B minor Orchestral Suite"). Recorded in lucid but lush super audio sound by Channel Classics, this disc will make a splendid addition to any collection of Bach's cantatas.
