This is a recording
of previously released material and
presents a fine opportunity to explore
a genre, scarcely known up until now,
from the greatest German-based composer
of the late seventeenth century.
Little is known of
Buxtehude’s early life but it is thought
that he was born in Denmark around 1637.
He has been best remembered for his
compositions for organ which consist
of preludes, fugues, toccatas, chaconnes,
music from chorales, and the passacaglia
which influenced Bach's Passacaglia
in C Minor. As part of his duties as
organist of St. Mary's Church in Lübeck,
Buxtehude composed for numerous sacred
occasions and also certain public events
in the city. The greatest proportion
of his large output comprises some 120
vocal scores; mainly sacred cantatas
composed in a wide variety of scorings
and styles.
This coupling performed
by Concerto Vocale under the direction
of Belgian counter-tenor René
Jacobs is exceptionally attractive and
interesting. The jubilant spirit of
the Cantata Heut triumphieret Gottes
Sohn forms a fascinating and striking
contrast with the devout meditations
of the cycle of Seven Sacred Cantatas
Membra Jesu nostri.
The instrumental ensemble
offer most subtle and colourful playing
with lovingly sung interpretations from
the soloists, including the renowned
counter-tenor, Andreas Scholl, being
impeccably clear and well balanced.
The splendid direction from the talented
René Jacobs gives impressive
attention to detail which makes the
performance so moving, suitably reverent
and compelling.
Buxtehude’s sacred
music is at last starting to get the
exposure that it rightly deserves and
this reissue from Harmonia Mundi most
ably assists the cause. A release excellently
performed and recorded.
Michael Cookson