Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Parrott, David Thomas [bass] :: Easter Oratorio / Christ Lag in Todes Banden

This CD is probably the best single-disc example of the controversial one-voice-per-part approach to Bach's cantatas. The singers hold their own nicely with the period instruments--whether the small string ensemble in the solemn Christ lag in Todesbanden or the full Baroque orchestra in the spirited Oratorio. True, the vocal lines sometimes sound no more prominent than the instrumental parts, but a look at Bach's scores supports that. There is a lot of striking music-making here. For example, the opening sinfonia of Christ lag in Todesbanden (taken surprisingly slowly) is breathtaking, as is the soprano-alto duet. The sinfonia and opening chorus of the Oratorio fairly rollick along; Charles Daniels, cushioned by flutes and strings, paints a magical picture of heavenly rest. --Matthew Westphal