Even at their most deeply spiritual, there is a profound humanity to
Ton Koopman and the
Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Choir's recordings of Bach's cantatas that makes them essentially of this world. Take their performance of Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh allzeit (What my God wills, that'll always happen) BWV 111. If there is a typical Bach cantata, this is it. Setting the usual pietistic text, scored for the more or less standard four soloists, chorus plus orchestra consisting of strings, oboes, bassoon, and continuo, and arranged in the more or less standard six-movement sequence of the chorus, aria, recitative, duet, recitative, chorale, Was mein Gott will immediately transcends the standard as soon as the music starts. But as
Koopman and his performers likewise immediately prove, they do not transcend their humanity. And therein lies their strength.
Klaus Mertens' bass aria "Entsetze dich, mein Herze, nicht" (Rest easy, heart, and worry not) is deeply consoling. Annette Markert and
Christoph Prégardien's alto and tenor duet "So geh ich mit behezten Schritten" (I follow with resolute steps) is deeply compassionate.
Lisa Larsson's soprano recitative "Drum wenn der Tod zuletze den Geist" (When death at last my spirit) is breathtakingly emotional. The closing chorale, "Noch eins, Herr, will ich bitten dich" (Once more, Lord, I ask of you), is immensely affecting. Even
Koopman's always understanding and always understated organ accompaniment is surprisingly moving. Although the performers have their eyes on the stars, their hearts are in this world. Antonie Marchand's recording is very close, very warm, and very real.