Bach by Kathleen Battle
Ever so often I have to bring you a very old recording, just because it is so great! And I do so today, because on March 21st it was the birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach, so this is a great way to celebrate his birthday.
This CD is a collaborative effort by one of the most amazing sopranos this country has ever produced, with several other outstanding artists. The singer’s name is Kathleen Battle; Her collaborator is violinist Yitzhak Perlman; and these artists are supported by the Orchestra of St. Luke’s.
Together, these artists bring us the following Bach arias:
1. Aria “Vergnügen und Lust” (Soprano) – Aria “Vergnügen und Lust” (Soprano)
2. Aria “Ich bin vergnügt in meinem Leiden” (Soprano) – Aria “Ich bin vergnügt in meinem Leiden” (Soprano)
3. Aria “Die Schätzbarkeit der weiten Erde” – Aria “Die Schätzbarkeit der weiten Erde”
4. Aria “Ich traue seiner Gnaden” (Tenore) – Aria “Ich traue seiner Gnaden” (Tenore)
5. Aria “Bete, bete aber auch dabei” (Soprano) – Aria “Bete, bete aber auch dabei” (Soprano)
6. Aria “Jesus soll mein erstes Wort” (Soprano) – Aria “Jesus soll mein erstes Wort” (Soprano)
7. Benedictus – Benedictus
8. Laudamus te – Laudamus te
9. Aria: Wenn die Frühlingslüfte streichen – 5. Aria: Wenn die Frühlingslüfte streichen
10. Aria “Auch mit gedämpften, schwachen Stimmen” (Soprano) – 7. Aria “Auch mit gedämpften, schwachen Stimmen” (Soprano)
11. Aria “Gott versorget alles Leben” (Soprano) – Aria “Gott versorget alles Leben”
12. Aria: Ich esse mit Freuden mein weniges Brot – 3. Aria: Ich esse mit Freuden mein weniges Brot
13. Aria: “Kann ich nur Jesum mir zum Freunde machen” – 5. Aria: “Kann ich nur Jesum mir zum Freunde machen”
Musically, these performances are really outstanding. The phrasing is excellent, and the blending of the orchestra, violin and soprano are amazing.
This is likely some of the most beautiful music of Bach you will ever hear. Yitzhak Perlman plays Bach in a very simple, direct and satisfying way. This combination of his sound with one of the best soprano ever is just superb. This IS a very beautiful recording.
Here are Yitzhak Perlman and Kathleen Battle in “Vergnügen und Lust” by Bach:
And next, from this same album, here is Itzhak Perlman and Kathleen Battle in “Bete aber auch dabei” by Johann Sebastian Bach:
Tags: Johann Sebastian Bach, Kathleen Battle, Yithak Perlman, Bach Album