J S BACH
Ascension Oratorio BWV11, Easter Oratorio BWV11.
Arleen Auger, Costanza
Cuccaro, Julia Hamari, Mechthild Georg, Adalbert Kraus, Philippe Huttenlocher,
Andreas Schmidt. Gachinger Kantorei,
Bach-Collegium Stuttgart, Wurttembergisches Kammerorchester Heilbronn Helmuth
Rilling
Hanssler 92.077
67m
DDD.
Crotchet
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This interesting coupling brings together two of Bach's shorter sacred works
with the early Ascension Oratorio in its premiere recording from 1984. Rillings'
tempi in the 'easter Oratorio' may tend to seem slightly erratic at times
but otherwise, the work receives a splendid performance rather in the same
mould of Munchinger's now classic Stuttgart reading on Decca. The singing
of the Gachinger Kantorei is consistently high whilst the orchestra play
with verve and vigour throughout. This tried-and-tested team of soloists
brings an uncanny note of authority to proceedings with Kraus particularly
impressive in both works. The scoring is celebratory in the extreme, with
liberal use of trumpets and timpani that are used to stunning effect especially
in the 'Ascension Oratorio'. The recordings have resurfaced well and although
there may be some fogginess in places, the whole package is highly recommended
as a unique coupling and definitely of high importance in this Bach centenary
year.
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
