Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach, as interpreted by the renowned conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt. This album, "Harnoncourt conducts JS Bach," released in 2009 under Warner Classics International, is a comprehensive journey through Bach's monumental works, spanning orchestral suites, concertos, cantatas, and sacred compositions. With a runtime of over two hours, this collection showcases the depth and breadth of Bach's musical legacy, performed with historical insight and artistic brilliance by Harnoncourt and the Concentus Musicus Wien.
The album features a diverse selection of Bach's masterpieces, including the iconic Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, the profound Matthäus-Passion, and the jubilant Weihnachtsoratorium. Each piece is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the intricate counterpoint, rich harmonies, and expressive melodies that define Bach's compositional style. Harnoncourt's expertise in historically informed performance practices brings a fresh and authentic perspective to these beloved works, making this album a captivating experience for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
From the majestic opening of the Orchestral Suite No. 3 to the serene beauty of the Aria "Schlummert ein" from the cantata "Ich habe genug," this album offers a profound exploration of Bach's musical genius. The performances are marked by a deep understanding of the composer's intent, with Harnoncourt and his ensemble delivering interpretations that are both scholarly and deeply moving. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of Bach's orchestral works or the intimate beauty of his vocal compositions, this album provides a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Bach, JS: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: I. OuvertureJohann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Bach, JS: Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140: No. 1, Chor. "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Tölzer Knabenchor, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079: Canon perpetuusJohann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Bach, JS: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 39, Aria. "Erbarme dich"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Paul Esswood, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 54, Choral. "O Haupt voll Blut und wunden"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, Regensburger Domspatzen, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048: I. —Johann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Bach, JS: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048: II. AdagioJohann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Bach, JS: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048: III. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Bach, JS: Komm, du süsse Todesstunde, BWV 161: No. 3, Aria. "Mein Verlangen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Kurt Equiluz, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Was mir behagt, BWV 208 "Jagdkantate": No. 9, Aria. "Schafe können sicher weiden"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Angela Maria Blasi, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Höchsterwünschtes Freudenfest, BWV 194: No. 3, Aria. "Was des Höchsten Glanz erfüllt"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Thomas Hampson, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Weihnachtsoratorium, BWV 248, Pt. 1: No. 1, Chor. "Jauchzet, frohlocket, auf, preiset die Tage"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 65, Aria. "Mache dich, mein Herze, rein"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Dietrich Henschel, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 2: No. 68, Chor. "Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. AirJohann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Bach, JS: Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 1052: I. AllegroJohann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Herbert Tachezi, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Johannes-Passion, BWV 245, Pt. 1: No. 1, Chor. "Herr, unser Herrscher"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV 147: No. 10, Choral. "Jesus bleibet meine Freude"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Tölzer Knabenchor, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig, BWV 26: No. 1, Chorale fantasia. "Ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig"Johann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir
Bach, JS: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, BWV 1041: III. Allegro assaiJohann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Alice Harnoncourt
Bach, JS: Viola da Gamba Sonata No. 3 in G Minor, BWV 1029: I. VivaceJohann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Herbert Tachezi
Bach, JS: Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, BWV 21: No. 1, SinfoniaJohann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Bach, JS: Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis, BWV 21: No. 2, Chor. "Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Chorus Viennensis, Vienna Boys' Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: I. Chorus. "Magnificat anima mea Dominum"Johann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Vienna Boys' Choir, Chorus Viennensis, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf, BWV 226Johann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Bach, JS: Ich habe genug, BWV 82: No. 3, Aria. "Schlummert ein, ihr matten Augen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Concentus Musicus Wien, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Philippe Huttenlocher
Bach, JS: Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: Agnus DeiJohann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Jadwiga Rappe, Concentus Musicus Wien
Bach, JS: Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: Dona nobis pacemJohann Sebastian Bach, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Arnold Schoenberg Chor, Concentus Musicus Wien