Bach: Cantatas for solo alto

Scholl possesses what is almost certainly the most naturally beautiful and fluently produced voice of any male alto today.

In these cantatas the ecclesiastical message is of sinfulness, guilt, damnation and redemption. Scholl's attention to the text, to phrasing and to vocal colour ensures this wonderful music comes vividly to life. The music is fascinating and dramatic, running the gamut from simple recitative to ravishing lullaby ("Vergnügte Ruh'!" BWV 170) to coloratura arias ("Mir ekelt mehr zu leben" BWV 170, "Ich wünsche nur bei Gott zu leben" BWV 35) with mini-concertos for organ interwoven into BWV35 and prominent solo parts for organ. At all times Scholl's expressiveness and attention to detail is coupled with impeccable intonation across a wide range and a variety of tonal colour. As a native German speaker the text comes across directly, as if Scholl were addressing you personally.

Herreweghe's leadership is spirited, the Collegium Vocale orchestra plays impeccably, and the organ and harpsichord continuo is a delight.

Tempos are invariably well chosen - the gentle lilt in triple time of the opening of "Vergnügte Ruh'" captures such "contented rest" like no other performance available and the sparkling organ concerto movements of BWV35 are lively and feature sprightly phrasing and fascinating embellishments to the solo parts.

Original recording made in 1998.