Heavenly Bach: Arias & Cantatas of J.S. Bach
Amanda Forsythe, soprano
Apollo’s Fire
Jeannette Sorrell, conductor & harpsichord
18th November 2022
AV2547
£12.99 (1CD | 20-page booklet)
Summary:
“Forsythe is a terrific soloist” ★★★★★ – BBC Music Magazine
“thrillingly daredevil virtuosity and the depiction of joy … a spirit of unbridled – and genuinely joy-filled – exaltation” – Early Music America
“Amanda Forsythe has a voice that is completely at home in baroque opera … crystal clarity and flawless intonation” – American Record Guide
“A stunning album … beautifully proportioned and programmed, and utterly delightful” – Classical Explorer
“singing of power, agility, and style” – Arts Fuse
“Forsythe’s fresh-timbred singing proves a joy throughout … she collaborates with another extraordinary artist, the conductor Jeannette Sorrell” and Apollo’s Fire. – Opera News
Billboard chart-topping and Grammy®-winning Jeannette Sorrell, baroque orchestra Apollo’s Fire, soprano Amanda Forsythe and the music of J. S. Bach create a divine musical partnership. Heavenly Bach pairs two of the composer’s most popular cantatas, interspersed with two sublime arias from the St. John Passion. In Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen! (“Shout to joy for God in every land!), Forsythe’s dazzling virtuosity hits the high notes – she “sets arias on fire” according to BBC Music Magazine – whilst the secular “Wedding Cantata” exudes a joyous and evocative marriage in springtime, for a result that is heavenly indeed.
Tracklist:
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685–1750)
Cantata BWV 51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen! (Shout to joy for God in every land!)
Steven Marquardt, trumpet
1. Aria: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen! 4:16
2. Recit: Wir beten zu dem Tempel an 2:1 9
3. Aria: Höchster, mache deine Güte 4:58
4. Chorale: Sei Lob und Preis mit Ehren (Alan Choo & Emi Tanabe, violin) 3:31
5. Aria: Alleluja! 2:07
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245 (St. John Passion)
6. Aria: Zerfliesse, mein Herze 6:57 (2022 remaster)
Cantata BWV 202, Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten (Wedding Cantata)
Debra Nagy, oboe obbligato
7. Aria: Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten 6:39
8. Recit: Die Welt wird wieder neu 0:28
9. Aria: Phoebus eilt mit schnellen Pferden 3:14
10. Recit: Drum sucht auch Amor sein Vergnügen 0:42
11. Aria: Wenn die Frühlingslüfte streichen (Olivier Brault, violin) 3:02
12. Recit: Und dieses ist das Glücke 0:44
13. Aria: Sich üben im Lieben 4:18
14. Recit: So sei das Band der keuschen Liebe 0:23
15. Aria: Sehet in Zufriedenheit 2:37
Johannes-Passion, BWV 245 (St. John Passion)
16. Aria: Ich folge dir gleichfalls 3:33 (2022 remaster)
Total duration: 49:56
Amanda Forsythe, soprano
Apollo’s Fire
Jeannette Sorrell, conductor & harpsichord
René Schiffer, continuo cello
Jauchzet (tracks 1-5) recorded April 23-26, 2021, First Baptist Church, Shaker Heights, Ohio
St. John Passion (tracks 6 & 16) recorded March 5-7, 2016, St. Paul’s Church, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Wedding Cantata (tracks 7-15) recorded Feb. 9 & 12, 2018, St. Paul’s Church, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Recording Producer and Editor: Erica Brenner Recording Engineer: Daniel Shores (Cantatas); Thomas Knab (St. John Passion)
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