Comparatively Speaking:
Bach’s Cantatas

Matthew Holdreith presents another program in his Comparatively Speaking series in which he juxtaposes varying performances of popular classical music. In this recording he examines Johann Sebastian Bach’s cantatas and oratorios, paying particular attention to the differences between performances that use instruments and vocal practices that were the norm in Bach’s day with more modern variations. Much of this fascinating program is spent comparing the different effects that can be achieved through the use of child singers as opposed to adult female sopranos. Holdreith was apparently inspired by Nikolaus Harnoncourt efforts to record all of Bach’s cantatas on original Baroque instruments, excerpts of which are included here. Whether you are already a huge fan of Bach’s vocal music, or someone who is only hearing it for the first time, you should find Holdreith’s illuminating commentary both informative and entertaining.