Bach: Saint Michel Cantatas (2006)

This disc is an early entry in a complete recording of Bach's cantatas undertaken by the Montréal Baroque. Conductor Eric Milnes opts for Joshua Rifkin's controversial "B minor madrigal" approach, with the four soloists joining together in the choral movements -- there is no choir. Many listeners, given the strong congregational resonances of the chorales on which most of the cantatas are based, may find this especially grating in the cantata repertory. Sample the tumultuous track 7 to see whether you like the effect.If you ... Read More

This disc is an early entry in a complete recording of Bach's cantatas undertaken by the Montréal Baroque. Conductor Eric Milnes opts for Joshua Rifkin's controversial "B minor madrigal" approach, with the four soloists joining together in the choral movements -- there is no choir. Many listeners, given the strong congregational resonances of the chorales on which most of the cantatas are based, may find this especially grating in the cantata repertory. Sample the tumultuous track 7 to see whether you like the effect.If you do, then you may wish to take note of new discs in the series as they appear. The cantatas are grouped intelligently; the three on this disc are big pieces for Michelmas, celebrating the final clash between the archangel Michael and Satan during the Apocalypse. They challenge the conductor with trumpets and drums that have to be balanced with the singers and kept clear in the texture. Milnes succeeds on both counts, and the soloists have medium-sized voices, without too much... Read Less

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2006, ATMA Classique UPC: 722056240123 SACD See All