Classical Releases (Bach: Cantatas 82, 83, 125, 200 - 11/27/2000)

Barry Murray wrote (November 27, 2000):
I thought some list members may be interested in the following.

From: "TipWorld" Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2000 5:30 AM
Subject: Classical Releases [BACH: CANTATAS, BWV 82, 83, 125, 200 - 11/27/2000]
by Tim Pfaff

BACH: CANTATAS, BWV 82, 83, 125, 200
(Archiv Produktion)

John Eliot Gardiner's Bach cantata cycle, which is appearing at the rate of a CD per month, is becoming a bit overwhelming. This latest set, of Bach's cantatas for the Feast of the Purification of Mary, is one of the more successful, finding Gardiner's English Baroque Soloists and Monteverdi Choir at their easy, assured best.

The point of interest is, of course, Cantata BWV 82, the solo-voice "Ich habe genug," one of the most beloved of all the cantatas. Bass Peter Harvey sings as though he's aware he's up against the stiffest competition imaginable, giving the moving piece his best shot--and a good shot it is. But in the wake of Matthias Goerne's towering recent
recording for Decca, and a large slate of major recordings from the past, it doesn't overtake the competition. The companion cantatas are splendidly done, but in the end, this CD is for Bach lovers who want to have all of the composer's cantatas for Mary's feast. You know who you are.
----------------------------------------------
Tim Pfaff is a freelance classical music critic who serves as the West Coast correspondent for London's Financial Times. He is the former editor of two national music magazines, Piano & Keyboard and Historical Performance.