Customer Reviews

Bach: Cantatas

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
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These performances were first recorded in 1969 and 1970, when one of the most magnificent voices of the 20th century was still in its superb prime. Of the three cantatas here one, # 56, is new to my collection and offers us 4 successive solos from the great man plus a short final chorale. The early Christ lag in Todesbanden cantata is mainly choral with only one stanza sung solo, and I own another performance from Gardiner's `pilgrimage' series with Stephen Varcoe as soloist. Of the celestial Ich habe genug this is now the fourth account in my collection, and I wonder how many more I shall acquire before either my collection of the Bach cantatas or its collector's allotted time is complete. Fischer-Dieskau joins the august company of John Shirley-Quirk (with Marriner), Ian Bostridge in his celebrated debut disc with Europa Galante, and the lamented Lorraine Hunt Lieberson in making a firm single recommendation at such a level of excellence something I find to be beyond me.

As far as the `Christ lag' cantata is concerned, I would dare to say that I probably prefer the Gardiner/Varcoe offering to this one, although I prefer both to either. Varcoe acquits himself splendidly and has nothing to fear from comparison with the great Berliner. What tips the balance for me is the orchestral side, where Gardiner and his nomadic colleagues delight me especially with the freshness and crispness of their work, if that is not unduly suggestive of talking about lettuce. However I cite comparisons here only as a side-issue and as a very rough guide to some alternatives, although I should probably mention that the Bostridge disc contains the sinfonia from cantata # 4 as a small filler. The point of this issue for me is to hear Fischer-Dieskau sing Bach, and if I never in my life hear any alternative account of the Kreuzstab cantata I shall not feel deprived.

How many times, and from how many artists, could I wish to hear Schlummert ein from the cantata Ich habe genug? It is a piece that I could listen to more or less indefinitely, and my luck has held to the extent that the performances I have chosen are without exception superb. The one that is significantly different from the others in concept is Bostridge's, and that is more because of Europa Galante than because of Bostridge. This group provide an all-out-authentic sound, (as well as using a flute and not an oboe obbligato), the other three ensembles seemingly using modern instruments although admirably in harmony with early 18th century style and idiom. Hunt Lieberson is given a more vivid recording than are the others, and that makes the most of the startling effect she creates with the low notes at `selig zu' highlighted by a long pause following. For the rest, I do not wish to make detailed comparisons. Fischer-Dieskau's disc offers a selection of works that I don't think is paralleled elsewhere, making comparisons to that extent irrelevant. The disc is significant to me above all for bringing me a great and unique artist in Bach to complement the Beethoven, Schubert, Loewe, Brahms, Wolf and Strauss works where he already features in my collection.

The digital remastering seems to have been done in 1984, if I have understood the matter rightly. The recorded sound is not remarkable in any way, but I have no complaints. Above all it is faithful to that magnificent vocal tone, completely unmistakable. The liner note is a touch Teutonic in style and content, but useful up to a point and better translated than sometimes. Both note and texts are given in the usual three languages. 70 minutes or so of Fischer-Dieskau, with worthy orchestral and choral backing, singing a selection that contains one of the most sublime solos I know, plus a lot more that is not much worse. Obviously I can recommend this strongly, and if any of the others mentioned sound right to you I can recommend them too.

Typical Bach - everything is perfect, but unlike contemporary music that could be classed as perfect, this album never fails to move even those that do not share Bach's religiosity.

Combine Bach with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and you have the best with the best. No-one can use power, emotion, verve, and vigour like Fischer-Dieskau. Those two together make this recording a must-have in any serious music fan's collection.

This CD is worth every penny, just alone for "Schlummert ein..." in BWV 82, sung by Fischer-Dieskau in his prime. Whenever I come across a recording of BWV 82 I try to listen in (if possible on Amazon or in a store) but this recording is the gold standard to which none so far has hold up. Some good out there, but this beats all. Of course this recording is now 40 (!) years old so there is not really any historical instuments etc. but it sounds as vibrant as ever. Highly recommended.

Bach: Cantatas is simply put it a splendid recording under the direction of Karl Richter. Being a devout Christian Bach has a very special place in my heart and verily also my soul and his lyrics are contain such power that it verily is a religious experience to listen to this fine recording. The booklet is very nice with a picture of the crucified Christ on the cover. Walter Blankenburg has written well-written liner notes and the lyrics are available in English, French and German. Highly recommended. 5/5.

Sublime cantatas ( 4 and 82 in particular). Sublime interpretation and direction from Richter. Sublime singing from Fischer-Dieskau. Ausgezeichneter Verein!

An absolute must.

The Bach met all of my expectations and is being used as a learning aide for our next concert. We are doing the Bach Cantata #4.