Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach with the upcoming album "J.S. Bach: Easter Oratorio - Magnificat," set to release on April 11, 2025, via AVIE Records. This exquisite collection showcases two of Bach's most celebrated choral masterpieces, the Easter Oratorio (BWV 249) and the Magnificat in D Major (BWV 243), performed with meticulous attention to Baroque authenticity.
The Easter Oratorio, unique among Bach's oratorios, is a vibrant celebration of the Resurrection, featuring no original Biblical text, no Evangelist narrator, and no chorale. Instead, it is structured in eleven dynamic movements, each brimming with life and spirit. The Magnificat, a grand setting of the biblical canticle of Mary, complements the Oratorio with its own majestic and uplifting compositions.
Under the skilled direction of Nicholas McGegan, the Cantata Collective breathes new life into these works, delivering a performance that is both rigorous in its adherence to authentic practice and full of the exuberant spirit of the Baroque era. The album spans a total of 23 tracks, with a duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, offering a comprehensive exploration of Bach's choral brilliance.
From the soaring choruses to the intimate arias, each piece is a testament to Bach's unparalleled ability to evoke profound emotion and spiritual depth. The album is released in time for Holy Week, making it a perfect accompaniment to the season's reflections and celebrations.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Bach's works, this album promises a rich and rewarding listening experience. Let the timeless melodies and harmonies of Johann Sebastian Bach transport you to a world of musical splendor.
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: I. SinfoniaJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: II. AdagioJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, Marc Schachman
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: III. Duetto e Coro: Kommt, eilet und laufet; Duetto: Komm, gehet und eilet (1st-2nd versions)Johann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, Thomas Cooley, Harrison Hintzsche
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: IV. Recitativo (SATB): O kalter Männer Sinn!Johann Sebastian Bach, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij, Nola Richardson, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, Thomas Cooley, Harrison Hintzsche
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: V. Aria (Soprano): Seele, deine SpezereienJohann Sebastian Bach, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij, Sandra Miller, Nola Richardson
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: VI. Recitativo (ATB): Hier ist die GruftJohann Sebastian Bach, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, Thomas Cooley, Harrison Hintzsche
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: VII. Aria (Tenor): Sanfte soll mein TodeskummerJohann Sebastian Bach, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij, Sandra Miller, Thomas Cooley, William Skeen
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: VIII. Recitativo (SA): Indessen seufzen wirJohann Sebastian Bach, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij, Nola Richardson, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, William Skeen
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: IX. Aria (Alto): Saget, saget mir geschwindeJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, David Dickey, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: X. Recitativo (Bass): Wir sind erfreutJohann Sebastian Bach, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij, Harrison Hintzsche
Easter Oratorio, BWV 249: XI. Chorus: Preis und DankJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, Nola Richardson, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, Thomas Cooley, Harrison Hintzsche
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: I. Chorus: Magnificat anima meaJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: II. Aria: Et ExultavitJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, Nola Richardson
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: III. Aria: Quia respexitJohann Sebastian Bach, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij, Nola Richardson, William Skeen, Marc Schachman
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: IV. Chorus: Omnes generationesJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, Nola Richardson
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: V. Aria: Quia fecit mihi magnaJohann Sebastian Bach, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij, Harrison Hintzsche, William Skeen
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: VI. Duetto: Et MisericordiaJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, Thomas Cooley
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: VII. Chorus: Fecit potentiamJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: VIII. Aria: DeposuitJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, Thomas Cooley
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: IX. Aria: EsurientesJohann Sebastian Bach, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij, Sandra Miller, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: X. Terzetto: Suscepit IsraelJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij, Nola Richardson, Tonia D'Amello, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: XI. Chorus: Sicut locutus estJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij
Magnificat in D Major, BWV 243: XII. Chorus: Gloria PatriJohann Sebastian Bach, Cantata Collective, Nicholas McGegan, Hanneke van Proosdij