Johann Sebastian Bach : Cantatas For Alto

Description

Rediscovery of Bach's Solo Alto Cantatas During the summer and autumn of 1726, Johann Sebastian Bach composed three cantatas for solo alto within the span of three months. It can be assumed that Bach had a particularly talented alto in his ranks at that time. However, it is not known who filled this role. It was likely a young singer who performed these pieces in head voice, that is, in falsetto – thus, according to Benno Schachtner, he corresponded to the type of singer we now call a countertenor. Furthermore, the three cantatas feature the innovation of the obbligato organ. Usually relegated to the role of continuo in cantatas, Bach elevates it here to the status of a solo instrument. Collegium 1704, under the direction of Václav Luks, recorded this album in the very place where Bach practiced his art, St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. One of the highlights of this recording is therefore the performance of the "Bach organ," installed in this church in 2000. Its sound and design are entirely conceived to interpret Bach's works in the most ideal way possible.