Hilary Hahn is the big attraction on this CD. Bach wrote some of his best music in his cantatas and you’ll hear some that great music here. Hilary Hahn’s violin sings on these cuts. Hahn is joined by Christine Schäfer, the sultry Frankfurt soprano, and Matthias Goerne, the Weimer baritone. And, although some of this music is very serious, Hahn and Schafer and Goerne sound like they’re having a grand time! Don’t miss this one! GRADE: A
TRACK LIST:
1. St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 / Part Two – No.51 Aria (Bass): ”Gebt Mir Meinen Jesum Wieder” Matthias Goerne 2:59
2. Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme Cantata, BWV 140 – Arie (Duett): ”Wann Kommst Du, Mein Heil?” Christine Schäfer 5:44
3. Cantata, BWV 204 ”Ich Bin Vergnügt” – Aria ”Die Schätzbarkeit Der Weiten Erde” Christine Schäfer 4:13
4. Liebster Jesu, Mein Verlangen Cantata, BWV 32 – 3. Aria: Hier, In Meines Vaters Stätte Matthias Goerne 7:09
5. Zerreißet, Zersprenget, Zertrümmert Die Gruft Dramma Per Musica, BWV 205-9. Aria Soprano: ”Angenehmer Zephyrus” Christine Schäfer 3:29
6. Mass In B Minor, BWV 232/Gloria – Laudamus Te Christine Schäfer 3:50
7. Ich Lasse Dich Nicht, Du Segnest Mich Denn (Cantata BWV 157) – Ja, Ja Ich Halte Meinen Jesum Fest Matthias Goerne 6:18
8. Cantata ”Wer Mich Liebet, Der Wird Mein Wort Halten” BWV 59 – 4. Aria: ”Die Welt Mit Allen Königreichen” Matthias Goerne 3:06
9. Cantata, BWV 58 ”Ach Gott, Wie Manches Herzeleid” – Aria ”Ich Bin Vergnügt In Meinem Leiden” (Soprano) Christine Schäfer 3:44
10. Cantata, BWV117 – 6. Wenn Trost Und Hülf’ Ermangeln Muß Matthias Goerne 4:03
11. Der Friede Sei Mit Dir: Cantata, BWV 158 – 2. Aria & Choral: Welt, Ade, Ich Bin Dein Müde Christine Schäfer 5:49
12. St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 / Part Two – No.39 Aria (Alto): ”Erbarme Dich” 6:29
The “sultry Frankfurt soprano” looks like the Bride of Frankenstein in the photo!
That sure isn’t a flattering photo of Christine Schäfer, Art. But rumors are that she’s very sultry one-on-one!
I had a complete Bach set that had a dozen CDs of the cantatas and I enjoyed listening to them a lot, though there is a sameness about them unless one is listening carefully.
Bach wrote about 200 cantatas, Rick, so a certain sameness is bound to creep in. But when you hear them in small doses they’re very moving.
You are the most culturally literate band of brothers I know.
Birds of a feather flock together, Patti. And you’re an “honorary brother” anyway!
Heck, Patti, I’ll take that as a compliment! Thanks. I’m sue George will too.
I feel my head swelling already, Rick!
Heard some bits of this on FRESH AIR the other day. Good stuff (but I’m a Bach fan). Schäfer looks fine, as awkwardly-posed attempts at subtle cheesecake on classical album covers go. (Not well, usually, as you might guess.)(Most of the artists look distressed.)
I think all three artists look uncomfortable on the cover of this CD, Todd. But the music is very appealing, especially if you’re a Bach fan.