There are many things to admire in
Sigiswald Kuijken's recordings of these four cantatas by
Bach. To start with, there's the man himself, the violinist who transformed himself into one of our deepest and most musical Baroque interpreters, particularly of
Bach's sacred music, who once again turns in readings that are alert, poised, and lively, with clean lines, clear textures, bright colors, and cogent structures. One always knows exactly where one is and exactly what's happening in these performances, both formally and interpretatively, and the cumulative effect is wholly satisfying.
Kuijken has the support of
La Petite Bande, his 17-player Dutch early music chamber orchestra, which plays with inspiring expressivity and effortless virtuosity.
Kuijken's four vocal soloists also function as a one-to-a-part chorus, giving him the best of both worlds: excellent soloists and a first-class chorus. And for those who miss
Kuijken the violinist who recorded what is still commonly regarded as the finest set of performances of
Bach's solo sonatas and partitas, his solo duet with alto Petra Noskaiová in "Ich will dich wohl Rosen brechen" will be a real treat. As always, Accent's sound is vivid and evocative.