This is the fifth volume of Vocal Music in the critically acclaimed Opera Omnia series of Dieterich Buxtehude, (number XIV in the complete cycle performed by Ton Koopman and the Amsterdam Baroque). The set of pieces featured could well be subtitled ‘The Unknown Buxtehude’, since it presents eight unfamiliar works that due to the wide arrange of their dates of composition are extremely varied in style and form.
Amongst the vocal pieces featured is the richly instrumented piece Ich bin die Auferstehung, BuxWV 44, with five strings, dulcian, two cornettos, two trumpets and basso
continuo. The other solo concerto for bass, Ich bin eine Bume zu Saron, BuxWV 45, is much simpler, but more touching. The basic instrumentation of the solo concertos on this CD is two violins, violone and organ, although apart from BuxWV 44 two other concertos, Jesu, komm, mein Trost und Lachen BuxWV 58, add a viola and Bedenke Mensch das Ende BuxWV 9 uses an extra violin. The latter also incorporates three singers as does Jesu dulcis memoria, BuxWV 57. The disc also includes two soprano solo concertos on the same text, Herr wenn ich nur dich habe, BuxWV 38 and 39, a shorter and a longer version sung here by different sopranos.
Ton Koopman is one of the world’s foremost early music specialists and directors, and his recording of the complete Bach Cantatas on Challenge Classics received worldwide acclaim. In recent years he has undertaken the daunting task of recording all of the music of his compatriot, the early baroque composer Dieterich Buxtehude. Amongst a string of accolades for previous recordings in the series Opera Omnia X, (CC72249), was a Gramophone ‘Editor’s Choice’.
Je Hoher Du Bist BuxWV 55
Herr, Wenn Ich Nur Dich Habe (II) BuxWV 39
Ich Bin Die Auferstehung Und Das Leben BuxWV 44
Herr, Wenn Ich Nur Dich Hab (I) BuxWV 38
Bedenke Mensch Das Ende BuxWV 9
Ich Bin Eine Blume Zu Saron BuxWV 45
Jesu, Komm, Mein Trost Und Lachen BuxWV 58
Jesu, Dulcis Memoria II - Ciacona - BuxWV 57
January 2012
****
“Among the most beguiling works...is the concerto-aria 'Herr, wenn ich nur dich habe'...sung with fresh-toned vitality by Miriam Meyer. The solo and ensemble contributions from the remaining soloists are for the most part rewarding, though the sopranos are evidently challenged by the upper reaches of the cantata Je hoher du bist. This apart, I have little but praise for a release that yet further emphasises Buxtehude's originality in Ton Koopman's ongoing survey.”
25th February 2012
****
“Of the excellent cast of seven soloists, soprano Miriam Meyer is exceptional with an engaging, insightful performance of BuxWV39”
February 2012
“Koopman enthuses that he and his continuo accomplices 'zestfully enliven the festive character' of the Italianate Jesu, dulcis memoria, which is sung eloquently by Mertens, Bogna Bartosz and Jörg Dürmüller...The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra's playing, in particular the shapely violin ritornelli, is delightful. The series, now reaching its 14th volume, continues to offer plenty of enrichment.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
Je Hoher Du Bist BuxWV 55
