J.S. BACH - Famous Cantatas
Cantata BWV 140, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme!
Cantata BWV 4, Christ lag in Todesbanden
Laurence Dutoit (soprano),
Kurt Equiluz (tenor) and Hans Braun (bass) Anton Heiller (continuo), Jurg
Schaeftlein (oboe) Vienna State Chamber Choir and Opera Orchestra Felix Prohaska
(conductor)
recorded in Vienna, 13, 19,
and 21 May, 1959.
Vanguard Everyman Classics 08.6108.71 ADD Stereo [48.26]
Here comes this recording again !! I find it difficult to see who will buy
this disc, particularly given the relatively short playing time. Added to
this, there is our current apparent bedazzlement with period performances,
and with the market being flooded with brand new, thoroughly researched period
performances of the whole series of Bach Cantatas, performed by currently
fashionable performers. Vanguard has certainly set itself a daunting target.
However all is not lost, as these performances have been in and out of the
catalogue over the years precisely because they are good performances, and
although are performed on modern instruments, they are very satisfying to
listen to.
Felix Prohaska has never reached the ultimate accoladed position of being
what can be called a famous conductor, but over the years he has produced
a number of very fine recordings. These are mainly of baroque and classical
works which can hold their own in other, more famous company.
The two cantatas recorded here are well performed and recorded, with very
enjoyable performances by the three soloists. Added to this, the company
of the Vienna Philharmonic (playing under its contractually less emotive
title) and Vienna Opera Chorus, there are no shortcomings in the artists.
The two works here recorded are among J.S. Bach's most popular cantatas,
No 140 being the work which inspired the equally famous arrangement as a
Chorale Prelude. This cantata, composed for the 27th Sunday after
Trinity has as its starting point the gospel reading of the day of the parable
of the 10 wise and foolish virgins. Bach selected Philipp Nicolai's hymn
"Wachet Auf" which touches on this subject as the basis of the work, forming
the first, third and last movements. These are interspersed with recitatives
and duets.
Cantata No. 4 was composed for Easter Day 1724, although scholars date it
earlier than this. The work describes Christ's trials and suffering and of
His ultimate redemption. The cantata is based upon the Lutheran hymn "Christ
lag in Todesbanden" which itself was based on an 11th century
sequence, "Victimae paschale."
Provided you can put up with the short playing time, and you enjoy non period
performances, you will derive much pleasure from this inexpensive disc.
Reviewer
John Phillips
