For those unaware, San Francisco-based Cantata Collective continues it’s exploration of J.S. Bach’s major choral masterworks with a third in the ongoing series, pairing the composer’s Easter Oratorio and Magnificat.

Released in time for Holy Week, both works are lavishly scored and feature some of Bach’s most festive and popular vocal writing. With celebrated baroque music specialist Nicholas McGegan on the podium, and a roll call of today’s finest early music vocal soloists, this release is poised to build on the auspicious previous releases.

EASTER ORATORIO, BWV 249
1. I. Sinfonia
2. II. Adagio
3. III. Duetto e Coro: Kommt, eilet und laufet; Duetto: Komm, gehet und eilet (1st-2nd versions)
4. IV. Recitativo (SATB): O kalter Männer Sinn!
5. V. Aria (Soprano): Seele, deine Spezereien
6. VI. Recitativo (ATB): Hier ist die Gruft
7. VII. Aria (Tenor): Sanfte soll mein Todeskummer
8. VIII. Recitativo (SA): Indessen seufzen wir
9. IX. Aria (Alto): Saget, saget mir geschwinde
10. X. Recitativo (Bass): Wir sind erfreut
11. XI. Chorus: Preis und Dank

This authentically engaging new recording opens on Easter Oratorio, BMV 249 and the sophisticated Sinfonia, the elegant Adagio and the stirring Duetto e Coro: Kommt, eilet und laufet; Duetto: Komm, gehet und eilet (1st-2nd versions), and then we get brought forth the emboldened Recitativo (SATB): O kalter Männer Sinn!, the flirtatious Aria (Soprano): Seele, deine Spezereien, the fearless Recitativo (ATB): Hier ist die Gruft, the flourishing Aria (Tenor): Sanfte soll mein Todeskummer, the harmoniously sculpted Recitativo (SA): Indessen seufzen wir, rounding out on the strong Aria (Alto): Saget, saget mir geschwinde, the mighty Recitativo (Bass): Wir sind erfreut and the energetic Chorus: Preis und Dank.

MAGNIFICAT in D major, BWV 243.2 (243)
12. I. Chorus: Magnificat anima mea
13. II. Aria: Et Exultavit
14. III. Aria: Quia respexit
15. IV. Chorus: Omnes generationes
16. V. Aria: Quia fecit mihi magna
17. VI. Duetto: Et Misericordia
18. VII. Chorus: Fecit potentiam
19. VIII. Aria: Deposuit
20. IX. Aria: Esurientes
21. X. Terzetto: Suscepit Israel
22. XI. Chorus: Sicut locutus est
23. XII. Chorus: Gloria Patri

Recorded 18th–21st March 2024, at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, California, along next is Magnificat in D major, BWV 243.2 (243) and the emotively cultured Chorus: Magnificat anima mea, the glorious Aria: Et Exultavit, and the quaintly formed Aria: Quia respexit and then we get the triumphant Chorus: Omnes generationes, the grand Aria: Quia fecit mihi magna, the warmly rounded Duetto: Et Misericordia, and the splendorous Chorus: Fecit potentiam, and they are in turn backed by the sturdy Aria: Deposuit, the formidable Aria: Esurientes, the set closing on the demure nature within Terzetto: Suscepit Israel, the melodious Chorus: Sicut locutus est and a resoundingly emphatic Chorus: Gloria Patri.

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www.cantatacollective.org