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J S BACH

Ascension Oratorio BWV11, Easter Oratorio BWV11.
Arleen Auger, Costanza Cuccaro, Julia Hamari, Mechthild Georg, Adalbert Kraus, Philippe Huttenlocher, Andreas Schmidt. Gachinger Kantorei,
Bach-Collegium Stuttgart, Wurttembergisches Kammerorchester Heilbronn Helmuth Rilling
Hanssler 92.077 67m DDD.
Crotchet
    Amazon USA midprice

This interesting coupling brings together two of Bach's shorter sacred works with the early Ascension Oratorio in its premiere recording from 1984. Rillings' tempi in the 'easter Oratorio' may tend to seem slightly erratic at times but otherwise, the work receives a splendid performance rather in the same mould of Munchinger's now classic Stuttgart reading on Decca. The singing of the Gachinger Kantorei is consistently high whilst the orchestra play with verve and vigour throughout. This tried-and-tested team of soloists brings an uncanny note of authority to proceedings with Kraus particularly impressive in both works. The scoring is celebratory in the extreme, with liberal use of trumpets and timpani that are used to stunning effect especially in the 'Ascension Oratorio'. The recordings have resurfaced well and although there may be some fogginess in places, the whole package is highly recommended as a unique coupling and definitely of high importance in this Bach centenary year.

Gerald Fenech

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