Search - Bach, Junghanel, Cantus Colln :: Motets Bwv 225-230

Cantus Cölln is the first group to record these six motets one-voice-per-part, and the approach pays off nicely. These pieces are difficult rhetorically as well as musically; a small group of singers can be more flexible and subtle than even a skilled chorus. Konrad Junghänel takes the joyful double-choir motets Singet dem Herrn and Der Geist hilft at a joyfully quick tempo, yet the music never turns to mush, no matter how dense the writing gets. Conversely, he captures the somber mood of Komm, Jesu, komm and the funeral motet Jesu, meine Freude without ever sounding ponderous. (While this is an exemplary performance, those who want an actual choir should try Philippe Herreweghe and his luminous Collegium Vocale on Harmonia Mundi.) --Matthew Westphal