Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach's masterful compositions with the album "Bach: Town Council Election Cantatas." This exquisite collection, released on April 17, 2009, under the Challenge Classics label, showcases Bach's unparalleled genius in the classical genre. Spanning a total of 62 minutes, this album is a testament to Bach's ability to blend intricate musical structures with profound emotional depth.
The album features three cantatas: "Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119," "Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120," and "Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69." Each cantata is a journey through a variety of musical forms, including choruses, recitatives, arias, and chorales. The compositions are rich in texture and harmony, showcasing Bach's mastery of counterpoint and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
"Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119" opens with a powerful chorus that sets the tone for the rest of the cantata. The subsequent movements feature a mix of recitatives and arias, each contributing to the overall narrative and emotional arc. "Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120" begins with a serene aria that gradually builds in intensity, leading to a jubilant chorus. The final cantata, "Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69," is a celebration of divine grace, with each movement building upon the last to create a sense of spiritual uplift.
This album is a must-listen for anyone interested in classical music, particularly the works of Johann Sebastian Bach. The performances are impeccable, bringing out the full richness and complexity of Bach's compositions. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2009 Challenge Classics
Tracks
Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119: I. Chorus, "Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119: II. Recitative, "Gesegnet Land!"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119: III. Aria, "Wohl dir, du Volk der Linden"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119: IV. Recitative, "So herrlich stehst du, lieve Stadt!"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119: V. Aria, "Die Obrigkeit ist Gottes Gabe"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119: VI. Recitative, "Nun! wir erkennen es und bringen dir"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119: VII. Chorus, "Der Herr hat Guts an uns getan"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119: VIII. Recitative, "Zuletzt!"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Preise, Jerusalem, den Herrn BWV 119: IX. Chorale, "Hilf deinem Volk, Herr Jesu Christ"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120: I. Aria, "Gott man lobet dich in der Stille"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120: II. Chorus, "Jauchzet, ihr erfreuten"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120: III. Recitative, "Auf! du geliebte Lindenstadt"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120: IV. Aria, "Heil und Segen soll und muß"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120: V. Recitative, "Nun, Herr, so weihe selbst das Regiment"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Gott, man lobet dich in der Stille, BWV 120: VI. Chorale, "Nun hilf uns, Herr, den Dienern dein"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69: I. Chorus, "Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69: II. Recitative, "Wie groß ist Gottes Güte doch!"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69: III. Aria, "Meine Seele, auf! erzähle"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69: IV. Recitative, "Der Herr hat große Ding an ans getan"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69: V. Aria, "Mein Erlöser und Erhalter"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele, BWV 69: VI. Chorale, "Es danke, Gott, und lobe dich"Johann Sebastian Bach, Amsterdam Baroque Choir, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra