Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Works: Cantata BWV 61, Cantata BWV 147, Magnificat in D Major BWV 243
Performers: Christine Schäfer (soprano), Anna Korondi (soprano), Bernarda Fink (alto), Ian Bostridge (tenor), Christopher Maltman (baritone), Concentus Musicus Vienna, Nikolaus Harnoncourt (conductor), Arnold Schoenberg Choir, Erwin Ortner (choir director)
Recording: Recorded in 2000 at Kloster Melk Benedictine Monastery, Austria.
Label: BRILLIANT
Johann Sebastian Bach’s choral masterpieces evoke a rich tapestry of sacred devotion and intricate musical architecture, reflecting the composer’s profound spiritual and artistic vision. The DVD “Glorious Bach,” featuring a performance of two cantatas and the “Magnificat,” stands as a testament to Bach’s enduring legacy. Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt and performed by Concentus Musicus Vienna alongside the Arnold Schoenberg Choir, this recording not only showcases the meticulous beauty of Bach’s music but also encapsulates a pivotal moment in Harnoncourt’s interpretative evolution.
Harnoncourt’s approach to Bach has historically oscillated between strict adherence to Baroque performance practices and a more liberated interpretation. This DVD reveals a significant shift from his earlier recordings, where he opted for smaller forces and male-only choirs, to a more expansive sound that includes women and a larger ensemble. The use of historically informed instruments remains consistent, yet the increased scale of the forces involved—approximately 40 to 50 choristers and a 30-member orchestra—creates a vibrant and immersive sonic experience. The opening chorus of BWV 147, “Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben,” exemplifies this vigor, with its intricate counterpoint coming alive through the lush choral textures and dynamic orchestration.
The performances by the soloists are commendable, with Ian Bostridge’s portrayal as the Evangelist in BWV 61 standing out for both its emotional depth and technical prowess. His voice, while occasionally marred by visible tension—an aspect that may detract from his stage presence—conveys a compelling clarity and expressive nuance. Bostridge’s interpretation of “Ach, mein herzliebes Jesu,” reveals a masterful understanding of Bach’s intricate lyrical lines, where his phrasing captures the essence of yearning and devotion. Soprano Christine Schäfer complements Bostridge’s emotive delivery with her crystalline tone and poised execution, particularly evident in her performances in both cantatas, where she navigates the demanding passages of BWV 61 with admirable agility and warmth.
The engineering quality of the recording merits attention as well. The acoustics of the Kloster Melk Monastery enhance the overall sound, allowing for a balanced blend of voices and instruments. The spatial quality of the recording enriches the choral sections, particularly in the “Magnificat,” where the interplay of the choir and orchestra creates a radiant tapestry of sound. The climactic moments, such as the jubilant “Sicut locutus est,” are delivered with both precision and exuberance, showcasing the choir’s remarkable cohesion.
While comparisons to other notable recordings of these works, such as those conducted by John Eliot Gardiner or Philippe Herreweghe, highlight Harnoncourt’s unique interpretative choices, this performance excels in its combination of rich choral textures and historically informed practices. The larger ensemble, combined with Harnoncourt’s nuanced direction, offers a fresh perspective on these familiar works, inviting listeners to experience them anew.
This DVD stands as an essential addition to the collection of any Bach aficionado. The combination of Harnoncourt’s progressive interpretation, the high caliber of the soloists, and the impeccable choral performance results in an engaging and spiritually uplifting experience. “Glorious Bach” not only honors the composer’s genius but also reflects the evolving nature of Bach performance practice in the contemporary era, marking it as a significant milestone in the documentation of Bach’s sacred music.
