Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Helmuth Rilling, Stuttgart Bach Collegium :: Bach: Cantatas, BWV 21, 22

Two completely different masterpieces

R. Rockwell | Brooklyn, NY USA | 12/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"believe that Bach's complete cantatas beyond just the most famous ones belong in the collections of anyone who loves classical music. I have found that they are consentrated masterpieces. And each one is completely different. I am enamored of Rilling's cycle because of the complete dedication he and his performers give to each work the perform. The only people who will not like Rilling are those who insist on period intruments. I love the booklets that explain each canata and what to look for in them in order to best appreciate Bach's mastery of finding the best way to express the words.

Since the BWV numbers are not sequential this disc contains works from different parts of Bach's life.



BWV 21 I had so much distress and woe although 45 minutes long keeps the listener enthralled from the opening sinfonia to the final chorale with a setting of revelation. THis canata explores the growth of a christian soul from distress to ultimate salvation. The highlights that affected me the most are the soprano aria accompanied by oboe and cello and the almost operatic duet for tenor and bass that was composed for cello and continuo and the final chorus with triumphant trombone and timpani.

BWV 22 Jesus took unto him the twelve was composed as an piece to be placyed in public (not church) to demonstrate his compositiona skills and was covered by the press. As you can imagine he pulled out all the stops and composed one of the most tighly composed cantatas that i have heard. The final chorale is unforgettable with its continual flow of oboe and violin. Unlike 21 this is ray of light from beginning to end.





Please buy as many Rilling cantatas as you can afford.

Please excuse typos i have a neuroloic disease.





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