Bach that Dances
Kenneth L Block | 03/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Willfred Mellers caught the spirit (so to speak) of Bach's music in the title of his extaordinary book "Bach and the Dance of God." Bach's music was always infused with two things above all others: his faith in God and the dance. Bach that doesn't dance is dead, especially in works like the "Easter Oratorio." What better occasion to dance than the Resurrection? Unfortunately, many recordings take on a seriousness bordering on ponderousness. Not here, however. If you can listen to the opening Sinfonia or the first Chorus without being moved by the pulse, you probably don't like music very much. Even the more poignant moments (such as the instumental Adagio or the aria "Seele, deine Spezerein") lilt, though as Sarabande rather than Gavotte. The recording is a reissue released in conjunction with Harmonia Mundi's new Bach collection issued in connection with the 250th anniversay of the composer's death. Herreweghe's recordings (also on HM) of the big Bach choral works such as the Passions and the B-Minor Mass are self-recommending, but don't pass up this unjustifiably lesser known piece, with its joyous tone and fascinating use of parody, in the musical, not comic, sense. The attendant, if lesser, Cantata 66, "Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen" ("Be Joyful, Ye Hearts") is equally enjoyable, making this disc an overpacked bargin of delight."
Bach, the way I like it
Douglas R. Lawrence | San Marcos, CA USA | 02/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I read several other reviews which were all glowing. My opinion is no different. Wonderful performance and a natural, spacious ambient sound. I even found a "used" recording which was in pristine condition. A find twice over."