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JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
Easter Oratorio, BWV. 249
1.
Sinfonia
3:52
2.
Adagio
3:39
3.
Chorus & Duetto: Kommt, eilet und laufet
4:41
4.
Recitativo: O kalter Männer Sinn
0:52
5.
Aria: Seele, deine Spezereien
10:49
6.
Recitativo: Hier ist die Gruft
0:37
7.
Aria: Sanfte soll mein Todeskummer
7:15
8.
Recitativo: Indessen seufzen wir
0:50
9.
Aria: Saget, saget mir geschwinde
5:40
10.
Recitativo: Wir sind erfreuet
0:33
11.
Chorus: Preis und Dank
2:16
Ascension Oratorio, BWV. 11
12.
Chorus: Lobet Gott in seinen Reichen
4:30
13.
Evangelist: Der Herr Jesus hub seine Hände auf
0:26
14.
Recitativo: Ach, Jesu, ist dein Abschied schon so nah?
1:07
15.
Aria: Ach, bleibe doch, mein liebstes Leben
8:12
16.
Evangelist: Und ward aufgehoben zusehends
0:27
17.
Chorale: Nun lieget alles unter dir
1:15
18.
Evangelist: Und da sie ihm nachsahen gen Himmel fahren
0:55
19.
Recitativo: Ach ja! So komme bald zurück
0:33
20.
Evangelist: Sie aber beteten ihn an
0:38
21.
Aria: Jesu, deine Gnadenblicke
6:56
22.
Chorale: Wenn soll es doch geschehen
4:01
Orchestra: Retrospect Ensemble Orchestra
Conductor: Matthew Halls Conductor
Notes
Oratorios has been re-issued as part of Linn’s ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the label’s award-winning catalogue.
This, the second release of the highly anticipated Retrospect Ensemble series, features the Easter Oratorio, one of Bach’s best-known oratorios and a monumental work, as well as the Ascension Oratorio. Retrospect Ensemble employs large-scale forces for this recording including four-part choir and orchestra (including timpani). This dynamic recording highlights the skill and brilliance of Bach’s writing through the inspired story telling of its star soloists and the passion of the Ensemble.
The Oratorio is a unique genre which is known for its enormous structure and epic tales, often including biblical references. The Easter Oratorio and the Ascension Oratorio featured here, tell stories through four characters: Mary Mother of James, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John, which celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter.
Featuring Carolyn Sampson (soprano), Iestyn Davies (countertenor), James Gilchrist (tenor), Peter Harvey (bass) this is a spectacular performance of Bach’s choral music led by Matthew Halls.
Originally released in 2011 J.S. Bach: Easter and Ascension
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Reviews
A new period-instrument ensemble from London brings verve, precision and spontaneity to a recording of J. S. Bach’s Easter and Ascension Oratorios. Matthew Halls leads his eighteen-voice choir and top-notch instrumentalists in a confident, rewarding performance that never seems over-controlled or fussy More, please, from this exciting new ensemble.
Judith Malafronte - Opera News - July 2012
this particular recording, featuring the Retrospect Ensemble, has a lot to recommend it; especially the technically refined and elegant quality of both the orchestra and the soloists. The choruses are refreshingly crisp and bright, sung in a soloistic manner that I find very appealing."
Frauke Jürgensen - The Consort - July 2012
Multichannel Disc of the Month
"The fact is that there is not a weak link anywhere in this cast" *****
Steven Ritter - AudiophileAudition.com - July 2011
Halls’ interpretations are above reproach, and his musicians respond at a very high level. What’s not to like? Heartily recommended.
George Chien - Fanfare - September/October 2011
a nicely blended and balanced instrumental group
American Record Guide July /August 2011
the Linn recording is a must
Brian Wilson - MusicWeb-International.com - 27 May 2011
enjoyably relaxed and unselfconscious performances" ****
Nicholas Anderson - BBC Music Magazine - May 2011
There is plenty of action and passion in these two, quite different, works, as the Retrospect Ensemble’s recording under founder-conductor Matthew Halls demonstrates" *****
Alexander Bryce - Scotland on Sunday - 1 May 2011
highly impressive playing This is a disc to savour and enjoy, not just for the sublime music but for performances which possess an immaculate feeling for style and a wonderfully fresh and vital delivery of both words and music.
Marc Rochester - International Records Review - May 2011
Matthew Halls directs sprightly singers and accomplished players"
Nicholas Kenyon - The Observer - 24 April 2011
The Retrospect Ensemble’s orchestral playing and choral singing is of the highest quality"
David Vickers - Gramophone magazine - May 2011
Fielding an excellent group of singers and players, and with soloists of such calibre, this is a landmark Bach recording "
Andrew Benson-Wilson - Early Music Review - April 2011
A disc to make your heart leap." ****
Geoff Brown - The Times - 9 April 2011
Classical Record of the Week:
"Top-drawer Bach throughout, beautifully recorded and documented by Linn." ****
Hugh Canning - The Sunday Times - 28 March 2011
Retrospect Ensemble simply sparkles in this repertoire Johann Sebastian himself would give this one not 5 but 10 stars as well." *****
SA-CD.net - 16 March 2011
Musical highs don’t come much better than a good dose of Bach in "rejoice" mode. So here’s a double dose - a coupling of the Easter and Ascension Oratorios, served up with tingling and ecstatic energy by the excellent Retrospect Ensemble Conductor Matthew Halls gleans warmth from this wonderful music." *****
Kenneth Walton - The Scotsman - 16 March 2011
Artistic Quality 10 Sound Quality 10
"can boast renditions of Bach’s Easter and Ascension oratorios as fine as--or better than--any in the catalog Recommended."
David Vernier - Classics Today - 8 March 2011
The recording at St Jude’s Church in Hampsteadmakes the most of a perfect acoustic"
Peter Grahame Woolf - Musical Pointers - 7 March 2011
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