One of Bach’s more magnificent extended choruses graces the cantata BWV 12, and another less substantial but no less impressive one dominates BWV 38. These works represent some of Bach’s most profoundly affecting and musically sophisticated textual and emotional representations, the former an ideal evocation of “weeping and wailing” with its unmistakably vivid chromatic descending bass-line, lurching rhythm, and agonized melody (which Bach later re-used in his B minor Mass). The pungent, reedy sound of the oboe adds perfect color and character to the whole cantata, and of course, Bach’s ingenious writing, especially the obbligato parts, lifts all three of these cantatas beyond the functional to the highest artistic and spiritual level.
The soloists here are all excellent, but alto Daniel Taylor and tenor Mark Padmore are particularly notable, the latter most especially for his Aus tiefer Not aria, “Ich höre mitten in den Leiden”, whose melodic theme bears striking resemblance to the aria “Schließe mein Herze” from the Christmas Oratorio. Not unexpectedly, the choral work from Collegium Vocale Gent is expert–precise and full of energy and passion in every phrase–and the instrumental playing is exemplary. No one performs this repertoire better, and if you’re looking for three of Bach’s more emotionally rich, theologically “heavy”, yet musically exhilarating cantatas, look no further. The sound is accordingly fine–room-filling, with natural-sounding voices and richly resonant instruments. [4/14/2005]
