Bach's Cantata BWV 4, 'Christ lag in Todesbanden', uses a chorale variation technique in every verse, where a single melody provides the foundation for the entire work.
Composition History
The album features Bach's only extant tenor cantata, 'Ich armer Mensch' (BWV 55), and 'Christ lag in Todesbanden' (BWV 4), which is possibly his earliest vocal work.
Performer Biography
Tom Hammond-Davies, the Founder and Artistic Director of the Oxford Bach Soloists, initially found Bach's works uninspiring as a child and teenager, only appreciating them later through Lutheran chorales.
Historical Context
The text for Bach's Cantata BWV 4, 'Christ lag in Todesbanden', is a programmatic hymn by Martin Luther that celebrates its quincentenary in 2024.
Composer Biography
The texts for Bach's Cantatas BWV 55 and BWV 82 were written by Christoph Birkmann, a mathematics student at Leipzig who also advised, sang, and played instruments for Bach.
Recording & Production
The Oxford Bach Soloists, who perform on this album, initially focused on live performances and only later decided to record to share Bach's music with a broader audience.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album's creators believe that if Bach had access to modern recording technology, he would have embraced the opportunity to share his music globally, beyond his local churches.
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