Every cantata by Bach is unique and thus each has its own special charms. "Gleichwie der Regen und Schnee vom Himmel fällt" (Like the Rain and Snow from Heaven falls) (BWV 18) has an evocative opening sinfonia and a dramatic central recitative shared between all four vocal soloists. "Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn" (You are true God and David's Son) (BWV 23) has a heartmelting opening duet for alto and soprano and an expansive closing choral. And "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern" (How beautifully shines the Morningstar) (BWV 1) has a glorious opening chorus and a joyful penultimate tenor aria. And those are just their most obvious charms.
In the sixth and present volume of his Bach cantata series, Sigiswald Kuijken has joined the three above-named cantatas as a section of the Lutheran liturgical year, in this case, the two Sundays before and the first Sunday after Ash Wednesday. And as in the previous five volumes, the performances here are entirely appealing. His use of the soloists as an intimate chamber choir in the chorales and the chamber-sized
La Petite Bande as the orchestra make intimate and revealing music-making. Everything is audible here, and everything is beautiful. From dulcet soprano
Siri Thornhill to stalwart bass
Jan van der Crabben and from stirring strings in the sinfonias to dramatic continuo in the recitatives, every part is well shaped and executed. Kuijken, one of the great period violinists and conductors, clearly understands the heart of Bach's music and knows exactly how to express its ecstatic qualities. Recorded in clear, natural sound, these performances deserve to be heard by listeners who enjoy Bach's sacred music.