Masaaki Suzuki, the music director of Bach Collegium Japan, began as a church organist at age twelve and studied composition, organ, and harpsichord.
Composition History
Bach may have used solo cantata forms due to a shortage of singers in the St Thomas Choir, the availability of gifted soloists, or to simplify rehearsals and prepare for the St Matthew Passion.
Performer Biography
The Bach Collegium Japan, led by Masaaki Suzuki, was founded in 1990 to introduce Japanese audiences to period-instrument performances of Baroque works.
Composition History
These four cantatas were composed by Bach during his fourth year of service in Leipzig, specifically between November 1726 and February 1727.
Recording & Production
This Hybrid SACD recording can be played in stereo (CD and SACD) and in 5.0 surround sound (SACD), with all five channels recorded using the full frequency range.
Composition History
During this period, Bach showed a preference for solo cantata forms, where the entire text is entrusted to a single solo voice, with a choir only used for the concluding chorale.
