Bach: Cantatas BWV 32

David Vernier

Artistic Quality:

Sound Quality:

You look at the lineup of performers here and you wonder how such a recording could be anything less than first rate. Not only are the vocal soloists of solid reputation, but we also have exemplary instrumentalists such as oboist Richard Earle, violinist Alison Bury, cellist Timothy Merton, double-bassist Anne Trout, and harpsichordist Maggie Cole. What could go wrong? Thirty seconds of listening will tell you all you need to know. All of the sonic balances here are out of whack, from the often piercing vocal treble (Dominique Labelle’s voice would not sound like this in a concert hall) to the big bear of an instrumental bass that gobbles up any midrange or upper-register detail. Sanford Sylvan’s gorgeously expressive baritone sounds as if it were passed through a giant tiled room, giving it a booming resonance that it neither needs nor deserves. The instruments overwhelm the voices, then the voices trump their instrumental partners. But this never seems like a partnership at all–just a strangely noisy presentation of Bach that would have been quite wonderful, if only these fine performers had been spared the electronic interference. Pass, widely.


Recording Details:

Reference Recording: BWV 82: Quasthoff (DG), Gauvin (Atma), BWV 202: Ameling (dhm)

J.S. BACH - Cantatas BWV 32 (Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen); BWV 82 (Ich habe genug); BWV 202 (Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten)

    Soloists: Dominique Labelle (soprano)
    Sanford Sylvan (baritone)

  • Orchestra: Sarasa Ensemble
  • Record Label: Sarasa -
  • Medium: CD

Search Music Reviews

Search Sponsor

  • Insider Reviews only
  • Click here for Search Tips

Visit Our Merchandise Store

Visit Store
  • Benjamin Bernheim Rules as Met’s Hoffmann
    Benjamin Bernheim Rules as Met’s Hoffmann Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center, NY; Oct 24, 2024 Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann is a nasty work. Despite its
  • RIP David Vernier, Editor-in-Chief
    David Vernier, ClassicsToday.com’s founding Editor-in-Chief passed away Thursday morning, August 1, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. The end came shockingly quickly. Just a
  • Finally, It’s SIR John
    He’d received many honors before, but it wasn’t until last week that John Rutter, best known for his choral compositions and arrangements, especially works related