Bach: Cantatas for Alto Solo
Andreas Scholl (alto)
Orchestre du Collegium Vocale, Philippe Herreweghe
Awards:
-
Presto Favourites, Recommended Recording
Above all, I was captivated by the crystalline purity and effortless grace of Scholl’s voice. This reading of Bach’s alto cantatas transports the listener to the realms of the sublime.
Bach: Cantatas for Alto Solo
Andreas Scholl (alto)
Orchestre du Collegium Vocale, Philippe Herreweghe
Purchase product
Awards:
-
Presto Favourites, Recommended Recording
Above all, I was captivated by the crystalline purity and effortless grace of Scholl’s voice. This reading of Bach’s alto cantatas transports the listener to the realms of the sublime.
About
The voice of the Holy Ghost?
According to German theological tradition, which Bach knew very well, the alto voice was the very symbol of that of the Holy Ghost. These three solo cantatas do not contradict the rule, although we do not always know for whom Bach wrote them: it was neither a woman nor a castrato, so it could only be a falsetto or an extremely accomplished boy.
These works demand enormous vocal virtuosity. Their extraordinary musical variety embraces sublime consolatory lullabies, a faithful echo of an organ concerto (BWV 170), and the dramatic qualities of an oratorio.
Contents and tracklist
Spotlight on this release
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JS Bach Choral & Vocal Works
20th Feb 2015
This week it's David's turn to attempt the impossible - whittling down the huge and distinguished choral discography of JS Bach and picking out the very best.
Awards and reviews
-
Presto FavouritesRecommended Recording
September 2022
Above all, I was captivated by the crystalline purity and effortless grace of Scholl’s voice. This reading of Bach’s alto cantatas transports the listener to the realms of the sublime.
Although the majority of the cantatas are choral, there are a number featuring just one solo voice. Many, though not all, have particularly individual texts (that is, placing special emphasis on personal piety), so the single voice is appropriate. One of the finest of all is Widerstehe doch der Sünde - the opening movement is a real showpiece, and Andreas Scholl is simply peerless.
