Overview

This two CD set is a very fine grouping of some of Bach’s vocal works. Performances of the entire cantatas BWV 102 and 3 is joined with several choruses and arias from various other cantatas. The Bach Aria Group does an excellent job throughout. Some excellent performances on the flute by Samuel Baron and oboe by Richard Bloom as well as Richard Lewis on the tenor is especially good performing some fairly difficult arias, especially “Erschrecke doch” from Cantata BWV 102. The only purely instrumental piece in this set is a Sinfonia for two violins and strings. This fun and lively piece will get you tapping your feet. As in all of Bach’s works, Listening to the cello part and this sinfonia’s cello part is really a hoot. Alternating between lively runs and interesting harmonic fillers, Bach just can’t leave anyone out of the fun.

The chorus from Cantata BWV 115 is a lively fun piece with a performance of Samuel Baron on the flute. An aria from the “Wedding Cantata” rounds out the first CD. Very nicely performed by Lois Marshall at soprano and violinist Oscar Shumsky really delivers a lovely counter to the soprano part.

The second CD starts with the very moving opening chorus to Cantata BWV 3. Very nice interplay of the violin and oboe parts adds to the complex harmonies of this powerful chorus. It’s pieces like this that will remind one of just what a combination Bach was of both genius and craftsman. The bass aria “Emfind” is excellently performed by Norman Farrow and Bernard Greenhouse carries the cello part to perfection. The duet “Wenn Sorgen auf mich dringen” is a joy to listen to. The soprano and alto pull this one off nicely and as always, my favorite cello part in this duet is way cool.

The aria from Cantata BWV 182 is another gem. Sensitively performed by tenor and cello. One can imagine how Bach himself would have wanted to perform the cello part. The lively bass aria from Cantata BWV 42 is a fun interplay of violin with the soloist. This one will really get your toes tapping. Contrasting with the lively bass aria is a beautiful and moving alto aria from Cantata BWV 32. Unbelievable duet with the oboe in this aria. The lively duet from Cantata BWV 205 is a lot of fun to listen to. The flute part is especially fun to listen to. Topping off this wonderful set is a lovely aria from Cantata BWV 132. The violin part is especially beautiful and the alto part is performed admirably by Maureen Forrester. If you love Bach’s vocal works. This is a real treat.