Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Matyas Antal, Failoni Orchestra :: J.S. Bach: Cantatas, BWV 80 & 147

Two Great Bach Cantatas

04/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This recording of two of Bach's most famous cantatas, BWV 80 and BWV 147, is fabulous. Both of these cantatas are wonderful, and it is hard to go wrong when recording them. The soloists used for this recording are outstanding, and the music is well-done.I do have two minor objections to the recording. The first has to do with BWV 80, Ein Feste Burg (A Mighty Fortress is Our God). The recording of BWV 80, while quite enjoyable, does not seem to be totally historically accurate. Specifically, the use of trumpets on some of the chorale movements does not seem to be consistent with the way in which Bach wrote the original score, which does not call for trumpets. The second objections I have has to do with BWV 147, Herz und Mund (with the chorale Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring). I truly missed the presence of the organ in this cantata. The organ was a staple for the performance of cantatas in Bach's day, and its absence detracts from the performance.In spite of these minor objections, I truly enjoyed listening to this CD and would recommend it to anyone interested in obtaining recordings of Bach's cantatas."

The use of trumpets and timpani...

02/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In response to one buyer's note on the use of trumpets not being correct, I will say that CPE Bach sometimes made changes to his father's works so that he could perform them in his lifetime and this is one of those works. He added trumpets and timpani to create a more festive attitude in the work. I personally enjoy this work both with and without the trumpets and timpani."