GERMAN SACRED CANTATAS

World premiere recording

 

Matthais Weckmann: Kommet her zu mir…

Biber: Fidicinium Sacro-profanum

JC Bach: Wie bist du denn, O Gott…

Nicolaus Bruhns: De profundis clamavi

JH Schmelzer: Lamento sopra la morte Ferdinand III

Christian Geist: Es War aber an der Stätte…

Benedictus Buns: Domine ne in furore tuo

 

Peter Kooij, bass L’Armonia Sonora / Mieneke Van Der Velden

 

One is struck on listening to this sacred music written during the 17th century by the depth of feeling a blend of humility, pain and anguish, on one hand, and by the power of the musical composition itself on the other. This period of great political/religious upheaval also witnessed a power struggle in German sacred music between anchored traditions and a renewing, innovative musical trend.

 

“This recital by the Netherlands bass Peter Kooij contains music set to German and Latin texts…in every instance it is grief-laden. One of the loveliest and least known pieces on this recording is by Christian Geist, whose commentary on Christ’s birth…yields an intimate, reflective intensity. Kooij’s warmly coloured, well focused voice, together with all the stylistic assurance that he demonstrates in his Bach singing, makes for rewarding listening. From among a wealth of rewarding vocal pieces, JC Bach’s Lament stands out for its expressive power…Strongly commended for performance, recording and documentation alike.”

Nicholas Anderson, BBC Music Magazine “Choral & Song Choice”

 

Ramee RAM0604