CAUTION:
no libretto is provided - zilch, zero, nought.
by
Chia Han-Leon
This article
first appeared as a review for a prize offered during contests in
celebration of the Flying Inkpot's First Anniversary, c. 5/1997.
Cantatas Nos. 80 and 140 are two of Bach's most popular cantatas.
Cantata No.80 begins with a majestic chorus in which Bach's son
Wilhelm Friedmann cleverly incorporated a ringing trumpet chorale
quoting Luther's hymn of the same name. Following two splendid arias,
the brilliantly-augmented orchestra accompanies the choir for another
stirring chorus. A beautiful duet for alto and tenor is followed
by the final chorale.
The
disc continues with a reconstruction of Bach's lost keyboard concerto
BWV1059, full of the brilliant and energetic Baroque splendour and
instrumental lines so distinct of Bach when he writes in D minor.
Cantata
No.140 is home to one of Bach's most beautiful chorales, "Zion hears
the watchmen singing" on track 15, as well as the lovely duet for
soprano and bass "My beloved is mine, and I am his." This 73-minute
CD is more than adequately performed by the musicians, all well-known
figures in Baroque music.
This
is quite definitely Chia Han-Leon's
shortest, briefest and fastest-written review.
To
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Cantatas Nos. 80 and 140 are two of Bach's most popular cantatas.
Cantata No.80 begins with a majestic chorus in which Bach's son
Wilhelm Friedmann cleverly incorporated a ringing trumpet chorale
quoting Luther's hymn of the same name. Following two splendid arias,
the brilliantly-augmented orchestra accompanies the choir for another
stirring chorus. A beautiful duet for alto and tenor is followed
by the final chorale.
