Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach's sacred music with this exquisite collection of Advent Cantatas. Released on January 1, 1992, by Archiv Produktion, this album showcases three of Bach's most profound and spiritually uplifting works: BWV 61, BWV 36, and BWV 62. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 1 minute, the album is a testament to Bach's mastery of the Baroque style, blending intricate vocal and instrumental arrangements with deeply moving melodies.
The album opens with "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland," BWV 61, a cantata that captures the anticipation and joy of the Advent season. The six movements of this cantata are performed with precision and passion, highlighting Bach's ability to convey complex emotions through music. Following this is "Schwingt freudig euch empor," BWV 36, a two-part cantata that exudes a sense of celebration and reverence. The chorales and arias within this work are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the interplay between soloists and the full choir.
The album concludes with "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland," BWV 62, another cantata that underscores Bach's genius. This six-movement work is a powerful meditation on the coming of the Savior, with each section building upon the last to create a cohesive and deeply moving musical experience. Throughout the album, Bach's intricate harmonies and counterpoint are brought to life by the skilled performers, making this a must-listen for any classical music enthusiast. Whether you are a longtime fan of Bach or new to his music, this collection of Advent Cantatas is sure to inspire and uplift.
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, Cantata BWV 61: No. 1 "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland"Johann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, Cantata BWV 61: No. 2 "Der Heiland ist gekommen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, Cantata BWV 61: No. 3 "Komm, Jesu, komm zu deiner Kirche"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, Cantata BWV 61: No. 4 "Siehe, ich stehe vor der Tür"Johann Sebastian Bach, Olaf Bär, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, Cantata BWV 61: No. 5 "Öffne dich, mein ganzes Herze"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nancy Argenta, Timothy Mason, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, Cantata BWV 61: No. 6 "Amen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nancy Argenta, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Olaf Bär, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Schwingt freudig euch empor, Cantata BWV 36 / Part 1: No. 1 Chorus "Schwingt freudig euch empor"Johann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Schwingt freudig euch empor, Cantata BWV 36 / Part 1: No. 2 Chorale-Duet "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nancy Argenta, Petra Lang, Anthony Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Schwingt freudig euch empor, Cantata BWV 36 / Part 1: No. 3 Aria "Die Liebe zieht mit sanften Schritten"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Anthony Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Schwingt freudig euch empor, Cantata BWV 36 / Part 1: No. 4 Chorale "Zwingt die Saiten"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nancy Argenta, Petra Lang, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Schwingt freudig euch empor, Cantata BWV 36 / Part 2: No. 5 Aria "Willkommen, werter Schatz"Johann Sebastian Bach, Olaf Bär, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Schwingt freudig euch empor, Cantata BWV 36 / Part 2: No. 6 Chorale "Der du bist dem Vater gleich"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nancy Argenta, Petra Lang, Olaf Bär, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Schwingt freudig euch empor, Cantata BWV 36 / Part 2: No. 7 Aria "Auch mit gedämpften, schwachen Stimmen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nancy Argenta, Alison Bury, Timothy Mason, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Schwingt freudig euch empor, Cantata BWV 36 / Part 2: No. 8 Chorale "Lob sei Gott, dem Vater"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nancy Argenta, Petra Lang, Olaf Bär, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland", BWV 62: No. 1 Chorus "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland"Johann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland", BWV 62: No. 2 Aria "Bewundert, o Menschen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland", BWV 62: No. 3 Recitative "So geht aus Gottes Herrlichkeit"Johann Sebastian Bach, Olaf Bär, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland", BWV 62: 4. Aria "Streite, siege, starker Held"Johann Sebastian Bach, Olaf Bär, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland", BWV 62: 5. Recitative "Wir ehren diese Herrlichkeit"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nancy Argenta, Petra Lang, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
"Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland", BWV 62: 6. Chorale "Lob sei Gott, dem Vater"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nancy Argenta, Petra Lang, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Olaf Bär, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir