Bach: Cantatas for Alto

Premiera 2026-09-18

In the summer and fall of 1726, Johann Sebastian Bach composed three cantatas for solo alto within three months. It is reasonable to assume that Bach had a particularly talented alto singer in his ensemble at that time. However, the identity of the singer who performed this part is unknown. It was undoubtedly a young singer who performed these pieces in the head voice—that is, in falsetto—and, according to Benno Schachtner, he thus corresponded to the type of singer we today refer to as a countertenor. The three cantatas also feature the innovation of mandatory organ accompaniment. While the organ is usually limited to the role of basso continuo in cantatas, Bach elevates it here to the status of a solo instrument.

The Collegium 1704, conducted by Václav Luks, recorded this album in the very place where Bach practiced his art: St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. One of the highlights of this recording is therefore the use of the “Bach Organ,” which was installed in this church in 2000. Its sound and design are entirely geared toward interpreting Bach’s works in the best possible way.

Works:

•Bach JS: "Geist und Seele wird verwirret" BWV35
•Bach JS: "Gott soll allein mein Herze haben" BWV169
•Bach JS: "Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust" BWV170