Buxtehude: Membra Jesu Nostri (2010)

Dietrich Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri, BuxWV 75 ("The Body Parts of Our Jesus"), can be sung by a choir and soloists, but the case for the one-voice-per-part performance heard here is unusually strong, and most of the available versions feature a "chorus" consisting merely of the four soloists together. It is not known for what occasion Buxtehude intended the music, but it has no liturgical use; it consists of a group of poetic meditations, with relevant biblical verses interpolated, on (in order) Christ's feet, knees, ... Read More

Dietrich Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri, BuxWV 75 ("The Body Parts of Our Jesus"), can be sung by a choir and soloists, but the case for the one-voice-per-part performance heard here is unusually strong, and most of the available versions feature a "chorus" consisting merely of the four soloists together. It is not known for what occasion Buxtehude intended the music, but it has no liturgical use; it consists of a group of poetic meditations, with relevant biblical verses interpolated, on (in order) Christ's feet, knees, hands, side, breast, heart, and face. This intrinsically philosophical concept seems intended for the contemplation of a small group of musicians and listeners. It also invites a kind of graphic emotion, which this group of English musicians largely avoids. Compare a bit of this recording with the more emotionally intense reading by Konrad Junghänel's Cantus Cölln group to see which you prefer. The work's modest dimensions flatter the voice of veteran soprano Emma Kirkby, but it is the... Read Less

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2010, Chandos UPC: 095115077528 CD See All