Complete Sacred Cantatas : Leusink / Netherlands Bach Collegium (50CD)

Written to exalt the glory of God and to facilitate Lutheran worship, Johann Sebastian Bachs sacred cantatas stand among the highest achievements of Western musical art. This acclaimed recording sees the works performed in their entirety by a stellar line-up of musicians that includes the renowned Holland Boys Choir and period-instrument ensemble Netherlands Bach Collegium. The cantatas are directed by Pieter van Leusink, one of Hollands leading Bach experts. From the plaintive opening of Weinen, Kleinen, Sorgen, Sagen (Weeping, lamenting, worrying, fearing) BWV12 to the triumphant D major chorus in Man singet mit Freuden vom Sieg BWV149, the works traverse a wide range of themes and moods, having been written for a variety of occasions throughout the liturgical year. In bringing together proclamation, amplification and interpretation of scripture in order to teach and persuade the listener, they are highly dramatic and lyrical pieces, ones that delight todays listener for the sheer beauty of their music.