C4

1. Huh What??

2. Mental Destruction

3. Beat Was a Bumpin

4. Mental Revenge

5. 8 Minutes Inside

6. Eight 'O Eight Cash Drum

7. Lost Feeling

8. Cue & The Bullfighters

9. MPC First Week

10. Just a Touch

11. What Bitch? I Thought So

12. Why DMT Makes Sense

13. Leave Me Alone

14. Ahhhhhhhh!!!!

15. Bring It on, I'm Back

16. Over & Over

17. For My Crew Only

18. Suicide? Should I Do It? Help!

19. I'm Alive

Tracks:

Motet: Komm, Jesu, komm (BWV 229)
Cantata: O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht (BWV 118)
Motets: Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf (BWV 226)
Motets: Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden (BWV 230)
Motets: Sei Lob und Preis mit Ehren (BWV 231)
Motets: Der Gerechte kommt um
Motets: Furchte dich nicht (BWV 228)

Tracks:

Motets: Jesu, meine Freude (BWV 227)
Motets: Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (BWV 225)
Cantata: Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft (BWV 50)

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-07-21

WONDERFUL LISTENING EXPERIENCE!!!
As much as I reveled in the hearing of these motets, ir behooves me to mention a few things about them.
Firstly, the two motets BWV 230 and BWV 225 has many technical demands, and one has the impressions that the sound engineer was not quite up to the complexities of it; thus making the choir sound effortful and contrived. For example, running notes are chopped up to further avoid muddling of the choral sound due to the inevitable echoes that arise in the church.. One wishes that the laudable efforts to create an authentic cathedral sound were matched by an equally competant sound engineer. However, having said all of this, the Monteverdi Choir remained truly marvelous to hear, and there are many remarkable moments in Gardiner's interpretation of these motets. One can feel the greatness of Gardiner-masterful shading and line treatment of choral forces that make this choir well above average and capable of some very extraordinary singing, as in BWV 228, when the sound engineer seems to be finally in sync with the choir. Of course, the English Baroque Soloists does an efficient job of supporting the choir, thus helping to even out the bad acoustics.
As to performance of the vocal soloists in BWV 227, one can only say that they are excellent, if not adequate: I really liked the 2 sopranos (Eliz. Priday and Gillian Fisher) and mildly objected to using Ashley Stafford as countertenor instead of Michael Chance who had just begun (1980) his several years with the Choir. That is strictly a personal preference on my part; I just find Stafford's voice not formidable for a solo part.
All in all the recording of these motets is awe-inspiring!!!!

Eat your heart out, Marilyn Manson.......2006-04-16

This was the first CD I ever bought, back when CD players were still cutting-edge technology. Now, more than a decade later, I still listen to it regularly.

In fact, this CD ranks as my all-time favorite for playing at ear-bud volume while rocketing down the highway. My apologies to the Seattle police -- and to the millions of kids who will never know that Bach's Motets kick industrial metal's ass (and just about everything else) when it comes to pure emotional transcendence.

A masterpiece of choral artistry.......2003-05-15

Not only is the composer Johann Sebastian Bach, but John Eliot Gardiner has interpreted him in very fine fashion.

Among the works featured in this album are ensemble pieces of four-part harmony, but there are polyphonic sequences, and sequences featuring solo singers.

This is a double disk album, making it especially valuable.

The choir has excellent diction, all in German. There is a strong, clear soprano section enabling a flexible, versatile dynamic range. The basses and tenors are similarly skilled.

Incidental music is unobtrusive and enhances the choral presentation.

The overall effect is awe-inspiring and elevating.

centerpiece for choir lovers.......2000-03-29

If you love J.S. Bach, if you love choir music, this double CD is an essential purchase. Get a taste, try "Komm, Jesu, Komm". It's built in several parts; each takes you to a higher level, and after the sequence ("du bist der rechte Weg...") which gets me high each time I hear it, the motet ends with a lovely aria. But then, there's so much more to discover here! Gardiner and the Monteverdi choir are the reference level. However, be aware that this CD could suddenly dissappear from the market (in Germany, it has). Don't hesitate: this is a must for all lovers of the b-minor Mass and St. Matthew's Passion where choir music also plays a prominent role.

Telemann: Suiten /English Concert * Pinnock

Average customer rating:

Over all this is a good CD.

Telemann: Suiten /English Concert * Pinnock

Manufacturer: Archiv
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Telemann:Darmstadt Overtures
George Frideric Handel: Trio Sonatas - The English Concert / Trevor Pinnock
Albinoni: Double Oboe Concertos & String Concertos, Vol. 1
Telemann String Concertos Musica Antiqua Koln Goebel
Telemann: Wassermusik (Water Music); 3 Concertos /Musica Antiqua Koln * Goebel

ASIN: B0000057EB
Release Date: 1993-06-15

Tracks:

Ov (Ste) in C TWV 55:C6: 1. (Grave)-(Allegro)
Ov (Ste) in C TWV 55:C6: 2. Harlquinade
Ov (Ste) in C TWV 55:C6: 3. Espagniol
Ov (Ste) in C TWV 55:C6: 4. Bourree en Trompette
Ov (Ste) in C TWV 55:C6: 5. Sommeille
Ov (Ste) in C TWV 55:C6: 6. Rondeau
Ov (Ste) in C TWV 55:C6: 7. Menuet I & II
Ov (Ste) in C TWV 55:C6: 8. Gigue
Ov (Ste) in D TWV 55:D19: 1. (Without tempo indication) - Andrew Clark/Gavin Edwards
Ov (Ste) in D TWV 55:D19: 2. Bouree - Andrew Clark/Gavin Edwards
Ov (Ste) in D TWV 55:D19: 3. Loure - Andrew Clark/Gavin Edwards
Ov (Ste) in D TWV 55:D19: 4. Rondeau - Andrew Clark/Gavin Edwards
Ov (Ste) in D TWV 55:D19: 5. Ecossoise - Andrew Clark/Gavin Edwards
Ov (Ste) in D TWV 55:D19: 6. Minuet - Andrew Clark/Gavin Edwards
Ov (Ste) in D TWV 55:D19: 7. Gigue - Andrew Clark/Gavin Edwards
Ov (Ste) in B TWV 55:B10: 1. Ov
Ov (Ste) in B TWV 55:B10: 2. Rondeau
Ov (Ste) in B TWV 55:B10: 3. Air un pui viste
Ov (Ste) in B TWV 55:B10: 4. Hornepipe
Ov (Ste) in B TWV 55:B10: 5. Menuet I & II
Ov (Ste) in B TWV 55:B10: 6. Bouree
Ov (Ste) in B TWV 55:B10: 7. Plainte
Ov (Ste) in B TWV 55:B10: 8. Combattans
Ov (Ste) in B TWV 55:B10: 9. Passepied I & II

Customer Reviews:

Over all this is a good CD........1999-06-03

This is a great piece for any one who likes grand baroque style music. It features the oboe and hunting horn. The oboe is one of my favorite instruments and these three pieces are excellent for any one who likes the reed horns.

Average customer rating:

Great Collection of Bach Cantatas with Caffeine

Bach: The Coffee Cantata

Manufacturer: Lyrichord Discs Inc.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Bach: Coffee Cantata, BWV 211; Peasant Cantata, BWV 212
Bach: Fantasia in C minor; Two-Part Inventions; Three-Part Inventions; Chromatic Fantasia & Fugue
Bach - The Complete Brandenburg Concertos / Pearlman, Boston Baroque
Bach: The Toccatas
Bach - Christmas Oratorio / Gardiner

ASIN: B00000K3GW
Release Date: 1999-09-21

Tracks:

Cant No.158 'Der Friede Sei Mit Dir': Recitative: Der Friede - John Ostendorf/Edward Brewer/Myron Lutzke
Cant No.158 'Der Friede Sei Mit Dir': Air: Weit, Ade - John Ostendorf/Ruth Waterman/Amor Artis Chor/Johannes Somary/Edward Brewer/Myron Lutzke
Cant No.158 'Der Friede Sei Mit Dir': Recitative: Nun, Herr - John Ostendorf/Edward Brewer/Myron Lutzke
Cant No.158 'Der Friede Sei Mit Dir': Chor: Hier Ist - Amor Artis Chor
Motet: Furchte Dich Nicht - Amor Artis Chor/Johannes Somary/Edward Brewer
Motet: Der Geist Hilft - Amor Artis Chor/Johannes Somary/Edward Brewer
Cant No.211 (Coffee Cant): Recitative: Schweigt Stille - Stephen Oosting/Edward Brewer/Myron Lutzke
Cant No.211 (Coffee Cant): Air: Hat Man Nicht - John Ostendorf
Cant No.211 (Coffee Cant): Recitative: Du Boses Kind - John Ostendorf/Ann Monoyios/Edward Brewer/Myron Lutzke
Cant No.211 (Coffee Cant): Ei, Wie Schmeckt - Ann Monoyios/Daniel Waltzman/Edward Brewer/Myron Lutzke
Cant No.211 (Coffee Cant): Recitative: Wenn Du Mir Nicht - John Ostendorf/Ann Monoyios/Edward Brewer/Myron Lutzke
Cant No.211 (Coffee Cant): Air: Madchen - John Ostendorf/Edward Brewer/Myron Lutzke
Cant No.211 (Coffee Cant): Recitative: Nun, Folge - John Ostendorf/Ann Monoyios/Edward Brewer/Myron Lutzke
Cant No.211 (Coffee Cant): Air: Heute Noch - Ann Monoyios
Cant No.211 (Coffee Cant): Recitative: Nun Geht - Stephen Oosting/Daniel Waltzman/Edward Brewer/Myron Lutzke
Cant No.211 (Coffee Can't): Trio: Dit Katzen - Daniel Waltzman/John Ostendorf/Ann Monoyios/Stephen Oosting

Customer Reviews:

Great Collection of Bach Cantatas with Caffeine.......2005-03-03

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.

Average customer rating:

Harnoncourt's Finest Hour, and Teldec's

Bach: Motets, BWV 225-230

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004S4MS
Release Date: 2001-09-18

Customer Reviews:

Harnoncourt's Finest Hour, and Teldec's.......2002-01-17

Despite having gone through hundreds of recordings in my life, only three Teldec recordings have stayed in my collection, and two of those are by Nikolas Harnoncourt. One of these, "Don Giovanni" highlights, falls in the "good enough" category. The other, this recording of the Bach Motets, falls into the "as good as it gets" category, and I have often wondered why its virtues are not imitated on other discs.

Tracks:

Ouverture
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegro
I. Largo
II. Vivace
III. Andante
IV. Allegro
I. Largo
II. Allegro
III. Andante
IV. Allegro
I. Vivace
II. Largo
III. Allegro
I. Vivace Assai
II. Sarabande
III. Bourre
IV. Menuet En Rondeau
V. Loure
VI. Chaconnette
VII. Gigue En Canarie

Customer Reviews:

DELICATEZZA...........2006-02-20

The Berlin Baroque Soloists is an immensely stylish modern-instrument band comprised of principals from the BPO, including Albrecht Mayer, Emmanuel Pahud, and Rainer Kussmaul.

Their past recordings of Telemann and Bach have met with tremendous critical acclaim. The words most often used to describe their playing are "light" and "elegant." By contrast, the Telemann recordings by Goebel and Musica Antiqua Köln can seem excessively hard-driven, missing out entirely on Telemann's delicatezza.

Rainer Kussmaul is a particular favorite of mine. His recording of Haydn's violin conertos is an especially lovely, joyful disc (ASIN B000003W7S, reviewed in the 1996 Gramophone Guide).

This Telemann recording is yet another charming disc by these truly world-class performers.

CRITICAL PRAISE FOR THE BERLIN BAROQUE SOLOISTS:
____________________________________________________________

This disc, "Sinfonia Melodica"

Gramophone (March 2006 issue): "... an absolute charmer ... wonderful vitality ... brilliantly played ... lightness -- of touch, not of content -- best sums up this disc: one that shows a perfect blend of 'modern' playing with 'historical' awareness."
____________________________________________________________

Telemann Concertos: "Unknown Works" -- ASIN B00005NY9A

2005/06 Penguin Guide rosette and key recording: "... a particularly light, graceful style of playing ... captivating ... engagingly delicate ... wonderfully lighthearted and polished ... this is one of the very finest of all Telemann collections."
____________________________________________________________

Telemann Flute Concertos (with Pahud) -- ASIN B00006L3S5

2006 Gramophone Guide recommended: "... understated elegance ... enchanting ... joyous exchange and textural delights ... ravishingly blended ... exquisite taste and mesmerising sound. A real winner."

2005/06 Penguin Guide: "An enchanting disc ... magical phrasing ... exquisite elegance ... wonderfully nimble and light-hearted ... wonderful finesse and warmth..."
____________________________________________________________

Bach/Telemann (with Petri) -- ASIN B00000F1BO

2003 Gramophone Guide recommended: "... breathtaking .. delicacy and flexibility ... a consistent lightness and liveliness of touch. In short this is exemplary baroque-playing on modern instruments."
____________________________________________________________

Bach Cantatas (with Quasthoff) -- ASIN B0002VDYPA

2006 Gramophone Guide recommended: "... the most red-blooded of modern-instrument bands with a 'period' conscience ..."

2005/06 Penguin Guide key recording: "... one of the most beautiful Bach cantata records in the catalog."
____________________________________________________________

Bach works (with Pahud) -- ASIN B000055WFG

2005/06 Penguin Guide rosette -- "... exquisitely articulated ... light as thistledown ... wonderfully buoyant and totally free from rhythmic or textural heaviness..."
____________________________________________________________

Bach Reconstructed Concertos -- ASIN B00005USER

2004 Gramophone Guide recommended: "... a happy medium of a stylishly aware gestural palette without, for them, the disorientation of 'period' specialism ... A stimulating addition to the catalogue."

_____________________________________________________________

ABOUT ASIN NUMBERS: Just FYI, you can use the ASIN to find a particular CD on Amazon.com (or on any of Amazon's international sites). An ASIN is Amazon's own inventory number -- every CD has a unique ASIN, which appears under "Product Details." Simply copy the ASIN and then paste it in the Search box near the top of this page. When you click "Go" the CD will be returned as the *only* search result and its page will appear.

Average customer rating:

You get what you pay for

Bach: The Masterworks [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Canons | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Improvisation | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Passions | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Mendelssohn: The Masterworks [Box Set]
Handel: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)
Brahms: The Masterworks (Box Set)

ASIN: B00062FLII
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

You get what you pay for.......2004-12-04

In the Brandenburg Concerti, the tempo varies, trumpet volleys sound like French Horns, and the flute is off tune half the time. The harpsichordist was good but in one of the concerti, decided to enter at a different tempo than had been set by the rest of the orchestra. Since he had to play some very fast runs later, it is no surprise that he wanted to slow down the orchestra, but maybe they should have worked it out earlier. The orchestra sounds leaderless and out of sync at times. Can't find the groove. Violins are competent but playing with an orchestra that needs to practise what they are going to play a little more.

That covers the first 2 of 40 CDs. Don't know if I can bring myself to listen to the rest. Somebody who didn't know Bach would wonder what the attraction is after listening to this.

Average customer rating:

Bach: The Six Motets

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000002ZMH
Release Date: 1993-06-16

Tracks:

Komm, Jesu, komm!, BWV 229: Komm, Jesu, komm!
Komm, Jesu, komm!, BWV 229: Drum schliess ich mich in deine Hande und sage
Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden, BWV 230: Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden
Lobet den Herrn alle Heiden, BWV 230: Alleluja
Furchte dich nicht, BWV 228: Furchte dich nicht
Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226: Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf
Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226: Der aber die Herzen forschet
Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226: Du heilige Brunst
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: Jesu, meine Freude
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: Es ist nun nichts Verdamliches an denen
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: Unter deinem Schirmen bin ich vor den Sturmen aller Feinde frei
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: Denn das Gesetz des Geistes
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: Trotz dem alten Drachen
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: Ihr aber seid nicht fleischlich
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: Weg mit allen Schatzen!
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: So aber Christus in euch ist
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: Gute Nacht
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: So nun der Geist des
Jesu, meine Freude, BWV 227: Weicht
Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 225: Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied
Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 225: Wie sich ein Vater erbarmet uber seine junge Kinderlein
Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied, BWV 225: Lobet den Herrn in seinin Taten

Amazon.com

This version of Bach's motets earns high marks for its sensible tempos and thoughtful--not idiosyncratic--interpretive decisions, including use of continuo cello, violone, theorbo, and organ. Choral lines are distinct, voices are ideally balanced, and phrasing and dynamics are fully respecting of the texts and harmonic texture. Overall, this recording makes an excellent first choice for this repertoire. --David Vernier

Bach: Cantata 147; 6 Motet; Chorales & chorale preludes for Advent & Christmas

Average customer rating:

Bach: Cantata 147; 6 Motet; Chorales & chorale preludes for Advent & Christmas

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: Elijah
Vaughan Williams: An Oxford Elegy/ Flos Campi/ Sancta Civitas/ etc.
Handel - Carmelite Vespers 1707 / Feldman · Kirkby · Van Evera · M. Cable · M. Nichols · Cornwell · Thomas · Parrott
Purcell: Odes for St. Cecilia's Day - Music for Queen Mary / Taverner Consort
Bach: Cantatas Nos. 80, 140, 147; Motet

ASIN: B0002XV2XE
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Chorus: Herz Und Mund Und Tat Und Leben - John Shirley-Quirk
Recitative: Gebenedeiter Mund! - John Shirley-Quirk
Aria: Schame Dich, O Seele, Nicht - John Shirley-Quirk
Recit: Verstockung Kann Gewaltige Verblenden - John Shirley-Quirk
Aria: Bereite Dir, Jesu - John Shirley-Quirk
Chorale: Wohl Mir, Dass Ich Jesum Habe - John Shirley-Quirk
Aria: Hilf, Jesu, Hilf - John Shirley-Quirk
Recit: Der Hochsten Allmacht Wunderhand - John Shirley-Quirk
Aria: Ich Will Von Jesu Wundern - John Shirley-Quirk
Chorale: Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude - John Shirley-Quirk
Chorale BWV 140.VII - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude BWV 645 - Andrew Davis
Chorale BWV 36.VIII - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude BWV 659 - Andrew Davis
Chorale BWV 104.VI - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude, BWV 711 (Bicinium) - Andrew Davis
Chorale BWV 121.VI - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude, BWV 611 - Andrew Davis
Chorale From BWV 22.V - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude From BWV 601 - Andrew Davis
Chorale From BWV 248.IX - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude From BWV 700 - Andrew Davis
Chorale BWV, 151.V - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude BWV 609 - Andrew Davis
Chorale BWV 227.I - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude, BWV 610 - Andrew Davis
Chorale BWV 294 - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude BWV 605 - Andrew Davis
Chorale BWV 40.III - Andrew Davis
CHorale Prelude BWV 612 - Andrew Davis
Chorale BWV 65.II - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude BWV 603 - Andrew Davis
Chorale BWV 368 - Andrew Davis
Chorale Prelude BWV 729 - Andrew Davis

Tracks:

Singet Dem Herrn Ein Neues Lied - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Wie Sich Ein Vater Erbarmet - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Lobet Den Herrn In Seinen Taten - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Der Geist Hilft Unsrer Schwachheit Auf - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Der Aber Die Herzen Forschet - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Du Heilige Brunst, Susser Trost - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Jesu, Meine Freude - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Es Ist Nun Nichts - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Unter Deinen Schirmen - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Denn Das Gesetz Des Geistes - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Trotz Dem Alten Drachen - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Ihr Aber Seid Nicht Fleischlich - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Weg Mit Allen Schatzen - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
So Aber Christus In Euch Ist - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Gute Nacht, O Wesen - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
So Nun, Der Geist - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Weicht, Ihr Trauergeister - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Furchte Dich Nicht, Ich Bin Bei Dir - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Ich Starke Dich - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Furchte Dich Nicht - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Komm, Jesu, Komm - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Komm, Komm, Ich Will Mich Dir Ergeben - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Du Bist Der Rechte Weg - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Drum Schliess Ich Mich In Deine Hande - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Lobet Den Herrn, Alle Heiden - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Denn Seine Gnade Und Wahrheit - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge
Hallelujah! - Choir Of King's College, Cambridge

Amazon.com

In recent years, single-composer programs have become popular on stage and disc, but this may not always be the best way to listen to music, no matter how beautiful. This 2-CD set presents a mix of Bach's vocal and instrumental works, carefully selected for contrast and variety of character, mood, and texture. It includes 12 chorales followed by their chorale preludes, offering the opportunity to hear how Bach turned the simple melodies, sung in harmony a capella or in unison with organ accompaniment, into extremely elaborate, complex contrapuntal pieces for two organs. Indeed the first one is so convoluted that it sounds like two different pieces being played simultaneously. The reverberant acoustics of King's College Chapel, where the set was recorded, may contribute to this effect. The six Motets (like the six Brandenburg Concertos), were not meant to be performed as a group, but composed for very different occasions. Written for multiple-part choruses, they vary greatly in tempo, articulation, complexity and expression, and are overwhelmingly beautiful. The Cantata features four great vocal soloists: soprano Elly Ameling soars up high with the joyful ease of a bird, mezzo-soprano Janet Baker sounds warm and caressing; tenor Ian Partridge is wonderfully mellow and lyrical, and bass John Shirley-Quirk injects a dramatic element into the music. The principal string and winds players of the orchestra are splendid; the opening trumpet fanfare sets a bright, triumphant mood. The chorus is excellent, though the echo sometimes obscures the counterpoint, and the sopranos can be a bit shrill. The Motets, on CD 2, sound best. Unfortunately, the booklet does not include the texts, and instead refers listeners to the label's website, which may not be convenient to everyone and feels like an intrusion of modern technology into a more humanistic age. --Edith Eisler

Average customer rating:

a voice teacher and early music fan

J. S. Bach: Motets [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi Fr.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Motets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bach: Mass in B minor [SACD]
Russian Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD]
Bach: St. John Passion, BWV 245 [Hybrid SACD]
Schubert: Piano Trios Nos. 1 & 2 [Hybrid SACD]
Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3; Poulenc: Organ Concerto; Barber: Toccata Festiva

ASIN: B0000CEWUW
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Customer Reviews:

a voice teacher and early music fan.......2007-01-19

'Bach's motets are among his most perfect works and constitute one of the summits of Western polyphony. Whether they are festive in nature or intended for funeral services, these six pieces for small choir are striking in their extraordinary musical variety, as well as in the perfect fusion of the words and music.'
Unlike Bach's sacred cantatas, the Passions and the oratorios that were all written as part of Bach's duties as the Cantor of St. Thomas's, the motets were written on commission for specific occasions, and therefore occupy a special place in his output. Moreover, they are distinctly different from other large church compositions, in that they are predomintly vocal in character. Finally , the motets are distinguished by a tendency to the individualism of each separate work. This, of course, can be applied to all of Bach's works, but in other 'sets' of compositions there is more of a pronounced relationship between the individual pieces than in the motets, which are dominated by features peculiar to each one of them. The vocal treatment in the motets is more varied than it is in most of his other music. One reason for this might be that he is attempting to compensate for the absence of obligato instruments that lend so much color and variety to the cantatas, Passions and oratorios.
The translation for the title of each motet follows: 'Singet dem Herm ein neues Lied' (Sing unto the Lord a new song)- 'Der geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf' (Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities)- 'Jesu meine Freude'(Jesu,my joy)- 'Furchte dich nicht' (Fear not)- 'Komm, Jesu, komm' (Come, Jesu,come)- 'Lobet den Herm, alle Heiden' (Oh praise the Lord, all ye nations).
Rene Jacobs has done his usual great job of pulling this altogether into one cohesive rendition. The singers are outstanding and perform their solos, etc. with accomplished artistry. I expecially liked the tenor voice of Gerd Turk; his sound is so resonant and clear which makes for a neatly done Bach aria. All in all it's a great Bach experience.