Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Cantatas with this exquisite collection, featuring BWV 63, 64, 121, and 133. Released in 2000 under Archiv Produktion, this album is a masterful blend of classical elegance and spiritual depth, spanning a total of 81 minutes. The cantatas, performed by the renowned Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists under the direction of John Eliot Gardiner, showcase Bach's unparalleled ability to weave intricate melodies and profound lyrics into a cohesive and uplifting musical experience.
Each cantata tells a unique story, from the joyous celebration of Christmas in BWV 63 to the reflective and introspective themes of BWV 64. The album opens with the vibrant and energetic "Christen, ätzet diesen Tag" from BWV 63, setting the tone for a journey through some of Bach's most beloved works. The performances are marked by their clarity, precision, and emotional resonance, bringing Bach's compositions to life with a freshness and vitality that is sure to captivate both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The album also includes the poignant and reflective "Sehet, welch eine Liebe" from BWV 64, the uplifting and triumphant "Christum wir sollen loben schon" from BWV 121, and the introspective and meditative "Ich freue mich in Dir" from BWV 133. Each cantata is a testament to Bach's genius and his ability to convey the deepest emotions through music.
This album is a must-listen for anyone looking to experience the richness and diversity of Bach's Christmas cantatas. The performances by the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists, under the expert direction of John Eliot Gardiner, are nothing short of outstanding, making this album a true gem in the world of classical music. Whether you are looking to celebrate the Christmas season or simply enjoy the timeless beauty of Bach's music, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63: I. Chorus. Christen, ätzet diesen TagJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63: II. Recit. O sel'ger TagJohann Sebastian Bach, Sara Mingardo, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63: III. Aria. Gott, Du hast es wohl gefügetJohann Sebastian Bach, Ann Monoyios, Stephan Loges, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63: IV. Recit. So kehret sich nun heut das bange LeidJohann Sebastian Bach, Rufus Müller, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63: V. Aria. Ruft und fleht den Himmel anJohann Sebastian Bach, Sara Mingardo, Rufus Müller, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63: VI. Recit. Verdoppelt euch demnach, ihr heißen andachtsflammenJohann Sebastian Bach, Stephan Loges, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63: VII. Chorus. Höchster, schau in Gnaden anJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Sehet, welch eine Liebe, BWV 64: I. Chorus. Sehet, welch eine LiebeJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Sehet, welch eine Liebe, BWV 64: II. Chorale. Das hat er alles uns getanJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Sehet, welch eine Liebe, BWV 64: III. Recit. Geh' Welt! behalte nur das Deine (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Sara Mingardo, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Sehet, welch eine Liebe, BWV 64: IV. Chorale. Was frag' ich nach der WeltJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Sehet, welch eine Liebe, BWV 64: V. Aria. Was die Welt in sich hält (Soprano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Ann Monoyios, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Sehet, welch eine Liebe, BWV 64: VI. Recit. Der Himmel bleibet mir gewiß (Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Stephan Loges, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Sehet, welch eine Liebe, BWV 64: VII. Aria. Von der Welt verlang ich nichts (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Sara Mingardo, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Sehet, welch eine Liebe, BWV 64: VIII. Chorale. Gute Nacht, o WesenJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: I. Chorus. Christum wir sollen loben schonJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: II. Aria. O du von Gott erhöhte Kreatur (Tenor)Johann Sebastian Bach, Rufus Müller, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: III. Recit. Der Gnade unermesslich's Wesen (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Sara Mingardo, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: IV. Aria. Johannis freudenvolles Springen (Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Stephan Loges, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: V. Recit. Doch wie erblickt es dich in deiner Krippe (Soprano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Ann Monoyios, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Christum wir sollen loben schon, BWV 121: VI. Chorale. Lob, Ehr und Dank sei dir gesagtJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Ich freue mich in Dir, BWV 133: I. Chorus. Ich freue mich in DirJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir
Ich freue mich in Dir, BWV 133: II. Aria. Getrost, getrost! (Countertenor)Johann Sebastian Bach, Derek Lee Ragin, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Ich freue mich in Dir, BWV 133: III. Recit. Ein Adam mag sich voller Schrecken (Tenor)Johann Sebastian Bach, Julian Podger, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Ich freue mich in Dir, BWV 133: IV. Aria. Wie lieblich klingt es in den Ohren (Soprano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Katherine Fuge, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Ich freue mich in Dir, BWV 133: V. Recit. Wohlan des Todes Furcht (Bass)Johann Sebastian Bach, Gotthold Schwarz, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
Ich freue mich in Dir, BWV 133: VI. Chorale. Wohlan! So will ich michJohann Sebastian Bach, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir