Customer Reviews

J.S. Bach: The Coffee Cantata BWV 211, Cantata BWV 158 and Motets

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Here are two Cantatas out of the hundreds that Bach composed and performed in Leipzig churches where he served. However, one of these, the title of this CD collection was secular in nature and speaks of the swirling debate in Bach's time over coffee.

There are also two Motets, which to this reviewer offers some of the best of this collection, especially Der Geist Hilft. The liner notes permit those who are non-functional in the original German to hear these comforting words to delightful notes: "The Holy Spirit" helps us in our weakness. This absolute wonderful piece was composed for the funeral of the rector of St.Peters Church, Leipzig where Bach served as Kantor and Choir Director.

Concerning the Coffee work, Bach in story narration takes on the "brewing" controversy in his time with the recent intro of coffee into the region. Bach himself enjoyed it is said three to four cups daily, and regularly played with other musicians at Herr Zimmermann's coffee house. The narration is between a father threatening his daughter with all sorts of threats to dislodge her from her coffee delight, only to no avail. Starbucks fans, this is for us!

I'm delighted with this CD. The musicians directed by Johannes Somary and the Amor Artis Chorale and Baroque Orchestra are magnificent, especially vocalists Monoyios, Ostendord, and Oosting.