Goodbye Girl

These cantatas are concerned with death and dying: principally, the texts address fears about letting go of material concerns in preparation for judgment and (hopefully) ascension. Through a dialogue of chorus, recitative, and aria, Bach provides a masterful context for these basic questions of Christian theology.
Philippe Herreweghe leads an understated band of expert musicians; the interpretive mode is plainly introspective and it makes for a wonderfully evocative introduction to "Liebster Gott", as a pair of oboes float ever higher over the clockwork ostinato of piccolo and violin. The anticipation of death is palpable.
The soloists do an admirable job, with bass Peter Kooy the real standout. His "Auf Gott steht meine Zuversicht" from BWV 138, breaks out of the sedate mood that rules most of this program. Excellent notes and full texts are included.