One of the best things about recording all of Bach's cantatas is the nearly infinite number of discs that can be drawn from them. For example, now that
Ton Koopman has completed his series of recordings of the extant cantatas, his performances can be re-grouped in various ways. This disc takes four Ascension Day cantatas recorded by
Koopman with his
Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir in 1998, 2001, and 2002 and joins them together in a single program. As listeners familiar with
Koopman's Bach recordings know, his performances are a unique combination of sublime spirituality, expressive musicality, and a deep strain of rampant individuality. Take as an example the opening work here, Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen, BWV 11. From its grandly monumental opening chorus through its anguished alto aria that later formed the basis of the Agnus Dei from the B minor Mass and its graceful soprano aria delightfully accompanied by solo flute, oboe, and cello to the expansive and exciting concluding chorus with trumpets and drums,
Koopman strikes the right balance between the celestial, the mundane, and the wholly unique. And so it is for the other three works here. Recorded in crisp, vivid sound, these may or may not be listeners' idea of great Bach -- those looking for massive performances saturated with sentimentality need not apply -- but for listeners looking for a taste of
Koopman's way with Bach, this disc will be just the ticket.