28. "Jesu, meines Lebens Leben BWV 1107 (Neumeister-Choral)" Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (Actus tragicus) BWV 106 (Trauer-Kantate)
29. "Sonatina"
30. "Chor: Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste zeit"
31. "Arioso: Ach, Herr, lehre uns bedenken"
32. "Arie: Bestelle dein Haus"
33. "Chor: Es ist der alte Band"
34. "Arie: In deine H?nde"
35. "Arioso und Chor: Heute wirst du mit mir"
36. "Chor: Glorie, Lob, Ehr und Herrlichkeit"
Description:
This CD presents a richly curated selection of early cantatas associated with the Arnstadt and Mühlhausen period of Johann Sebastian Bach's life - a formative phase in which the young composer forged his personal musical language. Performed by the renowned period-instrument ensemble Les Arts Florissants under the artistic direction of harpsichordist and organist Benjamin Alard, together with tenor Paul Agnew as one of the key vocal soloists, the recording focuses on the spiritual depth and bold inventiveness of Bach's early sacred works. Transparent textures, historically informed articulation and a finely balanced choral-orchestral sound allow listeners to experience how Bach experimented with expressive harmony, rhetorical declamation and imaginative counterpoint long before his Leipzig years. The program brings together contrasting cantatas that range from meditative and intimate to dramatically charged and jubilant, offering a compelling portrait of a young master already in full command of his craft.
Les Arts Florissants count among the most influential ensembles in the field of Baroque and early music, celebrated for their stylistic precision, vocal excellence and vivid sense of drama. Over the decades, the group has helped to shape the international renaissance of historically informed performance through acclaimed recordings and stage productions, particularly of French and German Baroque repertoire. Benjamin Alard has built a strong reputation as a specialist in Bach's keyboard and organ works, known for his poetic phrasing and scholarly yet engaging approach, while Paul Agnew has distinguished himself as a leading tenor and conductor in early music projects, frequently collaborating with top Baroque ensembles around the world. Their combined expertise guarantees interpretations that are both historically grounded and emotionally compelling.
The CD is released by Harmonia Mundi, one of the world's premier independent classical labels. Founded in France and long admired by audiophiles, Harmonia Mundi is synonymous with exceptional sound quality, meticulous production standards and thoughtfully conceived programs. The label has played a decisive role in promoting early and Baroque music, championing outstanding artists and ensembles and building a catalogue that has earned numerous international awards. With its carefully engineered acoustics and elegant presentation, this Harmonia Mundi release continues the company's tradition of offering recordings that satisfy both demanding specialists and curious newcomers.