This CD is a mid-price reissue of a disc originally released in 1992 (Hänssler 98903). Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau’s performance of BWV 82 also is included in Helmuth Rilling’s complete Bach Cantata series (Vol. 26) for Hänssler’s genuinely complete Bach edition. By 1983 when these recordings were made, the legendary baritone’s voice was, even in this familiar repertoire, way past its prime. While never lacking in sincerity and conviction, Fischer-Dieskau at this point simply was no longer capable of delivering the projection and urgency that once were hallmarks of his Bach interpretations. From the opening “Ich will den Kreuzstab gerne tragen” of BWV 56 that begins this rather short program (44 minutes), we hear a hesitancy, an unsteadiness completely uncharacteristic of his earlier recordings of these cantatas. Louder enunciation often substitutes for genuine projection (listen to his rendering of “Mein Wandel aus der Welt” for instance). The famous opening “Ich habe genug, ich habe den Heiland” from BWV 82 is recited more than it’s sung.
Fischer-Dieskau loved these works. He recorded them twice for Deutsche Grammophon, first with Karl Ristenpart in the early 1950s and later in 1970 with Karl Richter. Both of these recordings are currently available, and both are far worthier testaments to the legacy of this great singer.
