Search - Stephan Schreckenberger, Johann Sebastian Bach, Masaaki Suzuki :: Bach: Secular Cantatas (BWV 210 Wedding Cantata; BWV 211 Coffee Cantata) /Bach Collegium Japan * Suzuki

Carolyn Sampson is the show!

Jeremy D Vosburgh | West Sand Lake, NY United States | 01/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Suzuki gives us his first two recordings of Bach's secular cantatas on this cd. Cantata 210 and 211. This cd introduces Suzuki followers to the wonderful soprano Carolyn Sampson. People dissatisfied with Suzuki's sopranos in the past will be hard pressed to complain about this incredible woman's singing abilities. Listening to her sing; one hopes that she will become an established presence in Suzuki's cantata cycle in the future. Household Suzuki singers like Makoto Sakurada and the slightly before used Stephan Schreckenberger round out this very light cast.



Cantata 210 is a virtuosic 10 number piece for solo soprano on the subject of a wedding. Over 35 minutes of listening only to Carolyn Sampson is a little piece of heaven. I normally detest listening to sopranos as being too shrill and generally unfeeling in their lower registers. Sampson put all my initial purchasing doubts away as I listened to her polish off number after number with unbridled feeling and sensitivity. Her technical abilities are beyond any boroque soprano I've ever heard, and her voice is just plain beautiful to listen to.



The famous coffee cantata (211) introduces Schreckenberger as a father who detests his youthful daughter's habit of drinking coffee. The spitfire girl is played by Sampson. Sakurada's clear and bright tone provides the narrative introduction and summary, and the whole piece ends with a spirited three-part terzetta. Sampson shines in her two solos as well as her recitative conversations/arguements with Schreckenberger. Schreckenberger does a fine job, as does Sakurada (who pierces through the counterpoint in the terzetta whenever he has a high note!).



This was my first experience with any of Bach's secular cantatas, and I am filled with a new appreciation them. Although I think Carolyn Sampson's excellent singing had a lot to do with it! Pick this cd up!"