Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Julia Kangas, Monica Groop :: Bach: Alto Cantatas / Kangas, Groop, et al

Stellar Performance--Intimate and Bold

P. R. Marchesano | Philadelphia PA | 05/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording of Bach's Alto Cantatas predates "Arie Amorose" by 3 years but one would think they were recorded together. The same warm, rich sound and tremendously musical collaboration between conductor, orchestra and singer make this a truly valuable addition to any CD collection.Monica Groop brings her rich, warm voice to this Bach like few others could. I think these are among Bach's most beautiful cantatas. It is interesting that he set them for the alto voice, perhaps suggesting he liked this voice the best. I think he would be pleased with Ms. Groop's performance. I can't stress enough how the balance of players make this a complete performance. The high level of interaction of singer and orchestra is rarely achieved and when it is, it is a good thing! The obligati intertwine with the vocal lines seamlessly, yet neither overpowers the other nor do they fight for preeminence: it is simply RIGHT. The recording engineers at Finlandia Records have found a way to bring fully balanced and rich sound to this recording, bringing the listener in, but stuffing us amidst the ensemble, wondering if the recording was done in a carpeted studio like so many other recordings today. The resonance and atmosphere are just right and quite fitting to this worthy cast.Ms. Groop also takes us with her as she unleashes beautiful sound upon beautiful sound. She phrases musically and brings forth every delicate detail of these lyric compositions without ever approaching "cute". Seemingly without ever needing to break for a breath, Groop handles coloratura passages with accuracy and beauty. The recitatives are also amazing to me-in that I don't want to skip past them to the arias! Ms. Groop makes them a continuous part of the music, phrasing even through rests leaving one to feel that perhaps the ears have fooled us: was there really a break in the vocal line there?I can't decide which of these Cantatas are my favorite-I love them all. The tempos are lively and fit. Ms. Groop once again shows us that it is not necessary (or wise?) for a singer to pare down his/her voice to perform Baroque music. This is real singing of the highest caliber. I can't wait for the future recordings from this artist. Her career should take off for the heights. When was the last time we knew a Carmen, Marguerithe or Melisande also excelled in Handel, Arie Amorose and Bach Cantatas?"