BACH: Christmas Cantatas

Aradia Ensemble;
Mallon, Kevin

8.554825

Music director Kevin Mallon of the Aradia Ensemble opts for ultimate and delicate clarity in choosing to perform cantatas 36 and 132 with one voice to a part as well as single string players (although, for Cantata 61, there is a choir for the chorales).

On the Naxos CD, the singing of Canadian soprano Teri Dunn is a treasure to behold. Surely she must be the ideal soprano for the music of Bach? Both she and countertenor Matthew White possess great musical instinct. Of the various obbligato instruments, the sweet oboe of Washington McClain is memorable as a lyrical complement to the solo voice. However, I can't help feeling that some of the tempi are too slow, perhaps too careful - but this is a minor objection for an effort which brings attention to some overlooked Christmas cantatas.

Whichever recording you choose, the spirit and joy of Christmas is sure to be there, whether it is Aradia's meditative or Collegium Vocale's dramatic approach.

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

Naxos

14-08-2000

636943482520