A much better example of the great virtues of the Koopman Cantata Cycle (formerly Erato, now Challenge Classics) [than the Coffee- and Peasant-Cantata disc] is the disc with the Wedding Cantatas. The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Chorus get to shine and Johannette Zomer, Sandrine Piau, Annette Markert, James Gilchrist and Klaus Mertens are a line-up that leaves nothing to desire in “Dem Gerechten muss das Licht” BWV 195. Like “Gott ist unsre Zuversicht” BWV 197, this cantata is split in Pre- and Post-Copulationem. Since the liner notes are trimmed versions from Koopman’s and Christoph Wolff’s originals and don’t bother to explain, this might give rise to humorous confusion: a Bach chorale, instead of a cigarette? Alas, “pre-” and “post-copulationem” is merely indicative of which part is sung before and after the actual marriage pronunciation (and that kiss I imagine having been no less part of tradition then, than it is now).

Barbara Schlick and Guy de Mey (“Der Herr denket an uns” BWV 196 – its chorus appropriately one-voice-per-part), Bogna Bartosz (BWV 197) and Lisa Larsson (in the solo cantata “Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten” BWV 202) continue along the same high level with performances that only make me think of Bach, not alternative recordings. There is plenty heft and oomph in the choruses while all the drive expected from HIP recordings retained. Or try listen to Marcel Ponseele’s oboe part in BWV 202 without closing your eyes enraptured.

For a disc of Wedding Canatas (only BWV 210 is not included among the complete extant Wedding Canatas), this makes a very fine choice. As an introduction to Koopman’s Bach it would be even more recommendable with more generous liner notes or at a lower price.

Run time 74:21

Other reviews of Koopman Bach Cantatas can be found here:
Complete Cantatas, Volume 1
Complete Cantatas, Volume 2
Coffee- & Peasant-Cantata
Marian Feast Cantatas


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Waking up