Complete Cantatas 10 [Import]

Koopman: cnd/Amsterdam B.... (Artist, Conductor), Bach (Composer), J.S... (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Conductor: Koopman: cnd/Amsterdam B....
• Composer: Bach, J.S...
• Audio CD (April 11, 2006)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Import
• Label: Challenge Classics
• ASIN: B000ARAKUS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #484,495 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The latest volume in the acclaimed re-packaging of the complete Bach Cantata series on Challenge Classics! The acclaimed series of complete Bach cantatas with the Amsterdam Baroque conducted by Ton Koopman, originally begun on the now-defunct Erato label, has been revived by Challenge Classics. Allegro is now the exclusive U.S. distributor of these recordings. Ton Koopman and his choir and orchestra continue to uphold a standard of tremendous vividness and joy in their immaculate performances of Bach’s most impressive opus. The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, founded in 1979 by Ton Koopman, is a group of musicians from all over the world with a particular passion for the Baroque. Their recordings have won numerous awards. The Amsterdam Baroque Choir, founded in 1992, consists mainly of young Dutch professional singers. Begun in 1994, this series was called "the recording project of the nineties" by The Guardian and was awarded the 1997 Deutsche Schallplattenpreis "Echo Klassik" in Germany. The series continues to feature the scholarly contributions of Professor Christoph Wolff, one of the world’s leading experts on the music of Bach.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan, February 27, 2009

By 

George Peabody "Ariel" (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Complete Cantatas 10 (Audio CD)

HYMN INSPIRED CANTATAS.
This second cycle (3 disc) of Bach's cantatas is the beginning of a long and remarkable series of chorale cantatas - works inspired both textually and musically by hymns- which gives the cycle its unity. The opening and closing movements of each cantata are usually based word for word on the first and last verse of the hymn and its melody.

Volume 10 focuses on two liturgical dates: the 19th Sunday after Trinity (BWV48,BWV5,BWV56) and Reformation Sunday (BWV79,BWV192,BWV80) with an additonal cantata for Trinity(BWV90).

There is a great variety of instruments used throughout which adds much interest for the listener. The bass continuo in this set of recordings is wonderful to hear. The martial works, BWV130 and BWV119, are well-rounded off by lutes while Koopman's organ continuo accompaniments are perfect testament to why he has gained so many Continuo awards in his day. A perfect 'gem' is the set in BWV134a, which is set on a dialogue between 'Time' and 'Divine Providence', and the recitatives and arias are skillfully supplemented by a harpsichord.

Some of the melodies are quite 'jazzy' as only Bach can produce; those wonderfully lilting tunes that make you want to move with the music. Then, of course, there are the more sombre 'dark' sounds that one should also expect from Bach; those 'turnabouts' harmonically and rhythmically that catch us by surprise. Overall, I found this to be a very pleasing group of cantatas.

Since the cantatas are listed with the CD description, I won't list them here in my review, but the soloists are not, and they certainly must be named, for they are outstanding both in their individual interpretation of Bach, and their ability to sing skillfully They are: Caroline Stam(soprano), Michael Chance (alto) who is in my opinion is a true Bach Master Singer, Paul Agnew (tenor) and Klaus Mertons (bass). Anyone who can sing Bach well, that is,on pitch, with correct phrasing and is able to get in all of Bach's often subtle nuances, must be commended! If you are a singer, and have sung Bach, you can relate to that statement very well.

The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Chorus performed with skill and enthusiasm under the very capable direction of Ton Koopman, who I have found to be a leader who can bring things together while maintaining authenticity and approaching perfection. LET'S GIVE THIS TEN STARS!!!!