Recordings

**** BACH: Complete Cantatas. Volume 8; Various vocal soloists; Ton Koopman, conductor,

Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Chorus Erato

This three-CD set contains a mixed collection of a dozen religious cantatas drawn from a host of those composed in Leipzig during 1723-24. They show Bach in a variety of moods--ranging from Christmas ecstasy to fear and trembling in anticipation of final judgment without Christ’s intercession. Musical invention, word painting and variety of texture astonish and delight. There is an additional pleasure of recognizing that some music was later used in other works, including the Mass in B minor. The soloists, choir and orchestra respond richly to Koopman’s lively, insightful direction.