program
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Komm, Jesu, komm (BWV 229)
Suite in C major, BWV 1009: Prelude and Courante
Jesu, meine Freude (BWV 227)
Suite in G major, BWV 1007: Prelude
Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf (BWV 226)
Suite in D minor, BWV 1008: Allemande and Gigue
Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied (BWV 225)
uitvoerenden
Cappella Amsterdam
Daniel Reuss conductor
Barbara Kernig cello
Pieter-Jan Belder organ
Margaret Urquhart bass
background
Cappella Amsterdam performs motets by Bach under the direction of chief conductor Daniel Reuss. The motets span a range of extremes. Singet dem Herrn and Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf sparkle with rhythmic energy and virtuosity, while Komm, Jesu, komm and Jesu, meine Freude seek moments of quiet reflection.
Although motets were composed before Bach’s time, it was the German composer who gave the genre its distinctive signature. He wrote numerous motets, often for special occasions. Many of these works were performed only once and were not well archived. Fortunately, enough compositions have survived the test of time.
review
They are rare, but every now and then they happen: concerts that leave you speechless. During the Bachfest, Cappella Amsterdam filled the Petrikirche in Münster with an almost otherworldly sound, performing four of Johann Sebastian Bach’s six motets. Rarely has this music been heard with such intensity and vivid expressiveness.
– Westfälische Nachrichten
