Bach's early cantatas are relatively popular, and this is especially true of the brilliant 'Actus tragicus', which, by the way, cannot be found on this CD. Also popular is the performance with a 'choir' of four solo voices: Jos van Veldhoven has also changed tack in recent years with some remarkable recordings in single line-up. Such a small ensemble often works best with intimate works, and these
… early cantatas are therefore extremely suitable. On this CD we hear a beautiful vocal ensemble that has recorded Bach cantatas twice before (dbx7617 and dbx8401), always accompanied by the Ricercar Consort. Actually, there is hardly anything to criticize in terms of performance quality, which is an achievement with such open recordings of single ensembles. The voices of the three gentlemen and the lady mingle beautifully, among themselves and with the instrumental ensemble. The choice of cantatas is also beautiful, from the modest 'Aus der Tiefe', the beautifully radiant 'Himmelskönig sei Willkommen' to the moving Easter cantata 'Christ lay in Todes Banden'. (TC)more
