J.S. Bach: Cantatas, Vol. 14

This CD takes me back to a time when a very talented group of musicians where I live would perform Bach Cantatas a handful of times every year. I miss those performances dearly. So the real question is, how does this group of musicians (some playing recorders, which sound *fantastic*) do performing these seldom heard works of Bach? The answer is, they bring them to life marvelously, with obvious love and devotion to the music! This CD is a feast for the ears, bringing together delicate and exacting musicianship with a sense of devotion to what Bach originally intended the atmosphere and emotional climate to be. I hesitate to single out any one particular soloist, as every single one featured on this disc makes a valuable contribution to the entirety of each work. That being said, I just loved Maria Weber’s wonderful soprano in BWV 119. The liner notes are detailed and informative, discussing each Cantata as well as the work of the Bach Foundation and Rudolf Lutz, particularly the monthly Cantata concerts in the Baroque church of Trogen, an Appenzell village near St. Gellen. I must admit to being envious of those that are near enough to go and experience this music there on a monthly basis. The only thing lacking from the liner notes is an English language translation of the Cantatas themselves, but that is easily enough found elsewhere. The quality of this recording is excellent, and the material captivating. This is just start to finish excellent all the way through, and I very highly recommend it!