5.0 out of 5 stars
Very nice performance of 4 Cantatas, Feb 21 2005
By Obi "Obi wan liberali" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Cantatas 128 37 44 & 59 Volume 35 (Audio CD)
Cantata BWV128 has a very lively and compelling opening chorus and aria that is well performed by Rilling's ensemble. I don't speak German but this seems to be a very celebratory cantata that will get your feet tapping. The second aria has really nice oboe piece in contrast to a beautifully performed duet between an alto and tenor. The final chorale is a nice happy Lutheran hymn.
Cantata BWV 37 starts with a lovely contemplative chorus with complex and rich harmonies with some interesting rythmns thrown in for good measure. The first aria is an interesting musical duet between a violin and a tenor. I love listening to the cello part on this aria as I do in many of Bach's arias. Following the aria is a wonderful chorus with an excellent part cello accompanying a female duet. After a short recitative is a wonderful bass aria contrasting nicely against an energetic musical ensemble.
BWV 44 starts with a stunning male duet in this dark foreboding cantata. It flows right into a serious chorus that seems almost Mozartian to me. Listening to the dark passions in the bass lines of this chorus you realize how revolutionary Bach was. The last aria in this cantata is more upbeat and well performed by the artist.
BWV 59 begins with a very stately S/B duet with accompaniment of trumpets and orchestra. That duet made that cantata for me. Very powerful music indeed.
The Bach Ensemble under Rilling did us Bach lovers a big favor in releasing so many of Bach's cantatas and performing them so well. I notice that many are now out of stock, including this CD. That is a shame. If you are a Bach lover, I'd buy all the Rilling performance as practicable. They really are wonderful.