Motets Main Performer or Conductor: The Scholars Baroque Ensemble Soloists: Kym Amps, Anna Crookes - soprano Angus Davidson, David Gould - alto Robin Doveton, Julian Podger - tenor David van Asch, Matthew Brook - bass Instrumentation: Choir Individual Works: Singet dem Herrn ein Neues Lied, BWV 225 Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit, BWV 226 Jesu meine Freude, BWV 227 Der Gerechte kommt um Fürchte dich nicht, BWV 228 Komm, Jesu komm, BWV 229 Lobet den Herrn, BWV 230 Format: Compact Disc Record Label: Naxos Catalog Number: 8.553823 Year Released/Recorded: 1996 Total Playing Time: 63'09" Comments: Scott Blair said: A very good recording using one voice on a part, with only continuo accompaniment, which makes for a clear and concise rendering. The tempos are generally quite brisk, but not ever rushed. All of the singers are strong, but some may find that Kym Amps' voice stands out with more vibrato than the rest. Over all, a commendable effort which can hold its own with other period performances, and the budget price makes it that much better. John Triplett said: I agree with the above commentary with one major exception. The Scholars Baroque approach to a "period" performance did not work at all with "Singet Dem Herrn" (BWV 225). The performance is cold, thin, much to fast, and just generally unimpressive and unenjoyable. This piece, IMHO, should be performed with a large choir to get the best sound--not 8 soloists. Otherwise, the other five are excellent and very enjoyable. Martin Sweaney said: This disc is my first encounter with the motets, so I cannot compare this recording with those by massier ensembles. I can, however, compare them with recordings of other vocal works, both by small and large ensembles, and I must say that I find these motets lacking in viscerally punch - they just do not affect me emotionally. The ensemble does the happy parts well, but never seems to find the depths of sorrow and heights of rapture that Bach, as well as anyone, knoew how to put into his music. The text is pretty clear, probably a by-product of the samll ensemble - but is there another small-ensemble recording with a wider emotional gamut? Acknowledgements: Thank you to the following for submitting this recording and for your comments: Scott Blair John Triplett Martin Sweaney Date First Submitted: 10/04/1997 Purchasing: Suggested Purchasing Sources Note: Inclusion in this database does not guarantee the availability of any recording. Some recordings may be out-of-print or no longer available.