Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach's sacred music with "Bach, J.S.: Magnificat - A Bach Christmas." Released on November 11, 1997, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this album is a captivating journey through some of Bach's most profound and uplifting compositions. The album spans a rich hour and four minutes, offering a blend of classical and classical piano genres that showcase Bach's unparalleled mastery.
The album opens with the Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag," BWV 63, a stirring choral work that sets the tone for the spiritual and musical journey ahead. The cantata's various movements, including the powerful chorus and reflective arias, highlight Bach's ability to convey deep emotion and devotion through music.
Following the cantata, the album presents the Sanctus in D major, BWV 238, a short but majestic piece that further demonstrates Bach's compositional genius. The centerpiece of the album is the Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a, a grand and exultant setting of the biblical canticle of Mary. This multi-movement work is a testament to Bach's ability to blend sacred text with intricate musical structures, creating a profound and moving experience.
Throughout the album, Bach's music is performed with precision and passion, bringing to life the rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint that define his style. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Bach's music or a newcomer to his works, this album offers a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Chorus: Christen, ätzet diesen TagJohann Sebastian Bach, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Recitativo: o sel'ger TagJohann Sebastian Bach, Christopher Robson, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Aria: Gott, Du hast es wohl gefügetJohann Sebastian Bach, Elizabeth Scholl, Michael George, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Recitativo: So kehret sich nun heut das bange LeidJohann Sebastian Bach, Paul Agnew, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Ruft und fleht den Himmel anJohann Sebastian Bach, Christopher Robson, Paul Agnew, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Recitativo: Verdoppelt euch demnach, ihr heissenJohann Sebastian Bach, Michael George, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Cantata "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag", BWV 63: Chorus: Höchster, schau in Gnaden anJohann Sebastian Bach, New London Consort, Philip Pickett
Sanctus in D major, BWV 238Johann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Magnificat anima mea DominumJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Et Exultavit spiritus meusJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Elizabeth Scholl
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Vom Himmel hochJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Quia respexit humilitatemJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Catherine Bott
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Omnes genarationesJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Quia fecit mihi magnaJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Michael George
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Freut euch und jubiliertJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Et misericordiaJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Christopher Robson, Paul Agnew
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Fecit potentiamJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Gloria in excelsis DeoJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Deposuit potentesJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Paul Agnew
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Esurientes implevit bonisJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Christopher Robson
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Virga jesse floruitJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Michael George, Catherine Bott
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Suscepit IsraelJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort, Catherine Bott, Elizabeth Scholl, Christopher Robson
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Sicut locutus estJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort
Magnificat in E flat, BWV 243a: Gloria PatriJohann Sebastian Bach, Philip Pickett, New London Consort