The Sunday Times

SDG150 - Bach Cantatas Vol 17 (23 Jan 2009)

**** [4 Stars]

The revelatory enjoyment of John Eliot Gardiner's Bach cantatas cycle, recorded live during the Millennium Pilgrimage, continues apace. This timely volume contains four cantatas for New Year's Day and a pair for the next Sunday. Three of the new-year works are outstanding - the expansive and daring Cantata 16. A more troubled mood characterises the two eloquent Sunday pieces, Cantatas 153 and 58. All Are beautifully performed by the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists, with the tenor James Gilchrist outstanding for his stylish grace.