Bach, J S - 3CD-BOX: Solo Cantatas - Herreweghe, Philippe (conductor)

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According to German theological tradition, which Bach knew very well, the alto voice was the very symbol of that of the Holy Ghost. These three solo cantatas do not contradict the rule, although we do not always know for whom Bach wrote them: it was neither a woman nor a castrato, so it could only be a falsetto or an extremely accomplished boy. These works demand enormous vocal virtuosity. Their extraordinary musical variety embraces sublime consolatory lullabies, a faithful echo of an organ concerto (BWV 170), and the dramatic qualities of an oratorio.(HMC 901644)

The cantatas for bass solo are based on episodes from the life of Christ (the healing of the lame man, the presentation in the temple, scenes from the Passion) with implications of the benevolence and consolation of death (HMC 901365)

These titles were released for the first time in 1991 (HMC 901365), 1998 (HMC 901644) and 2000 (HMC 901703).