Bach: The Cantatas

6 section cantata, -concertante opening movement, 2 x aria, 2 x recit and closing choral. As far as the orchestral forces, in this cantata go, Bach show’s himself to be a master of limitation, as the band is reduced, -2 x oboe d’amore, strings and continuo. A single...

An 8 movement cantata, -oboe x 2 + taille, strings and continuo, the chorus only appearing in its fulness, during the final choral. Alto and tenor remain silent throughout all the previous movements. Bass/Jesus and Soprano/Anima, -or the soul, maintain a dramatic...

A six movement cantata, opening chorus, 2 x aria, -first for bass voice, second for soprano, alto, tenor trio, 2 x recits, soprano and bass, with closing choral. Strings, 2 x oboe + taille, chorus and continuo, make up the band, with a surprise appearance by 3 x...

6 movement cantata, opening chorale fantasia chorus, 2 x recit, -the first of these, in combination with a chorale tune, 2 x arias, -the first for tenor and the second, a soprano/alto duet, followed by closing chorale. A standard orchestra, two oboes, strings and...

This is a brilliant, early work, most probably written, when its composer was only 22 years of age. It is expressive and profound, leaving all previous and comparable works, a long way behind, in really every way. We can hear Bach’s unique and distinctive voice, as he...

This is one of Bach’s earliest surviving cantatas, perhaps penitential, written on the occasion, of a disaster, death, tragedy or some such occurrence. A continuous stream, rather than a sequence of independents, a concept derivative of the motet, combined, very...