"O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht" (BWV 118) is a wonderful funeral music. It is neither a true cantata nor a true motet, so it is often not included in complete sets. I recommend it to all Bach lovers who would not know it already.
I was particularly grateful for this review, Dave, because I was thinking of adding this set to my collection since I spied it on Amazon. I haven't heard any of Herreweghe's more recent recordings for his "Phi" label. Viewers might want to know that there are two Cantatas in common between the "Phi" box and the Harmonia Mundi box--namely, BWV 80 {"Ein feste Burg") and BWV 198 ("Trauerode"). Presumably these are remakes, though their predecessors were very fine indeed. Maybe he redid "Ein feste Burg" because last time he chose to give us the version with trumpets and timpani (the latter presumably added by his son, W. F.), and perhps this time he wants to give us his thoughts on the original scoring, without the "military" instruments. I will also note that BWV 73 and 105 are presumably remakes as well. Herreweghe recorded both several decades ago for the Virgin Classics label. Those were reissued later in an inexpensive 4-CD box contaning a clutch of 6 or so Cantatas plus the four Missa Breves. Used copies of that box are still available on Amazon if anyone is interested. Fine performances all, though not as well recorded as his later Harmonia Mundi Bach.
Thank you, Dave. I like Bach's cantatas etc. but had not listened to Herreweghe until your previous chat. I really enjoyed the cantatas I listened to, and agree that his/their performances are warm-hearted. One side comment, however: the period instruments, especially the two horns, are REALLY rough. I actually prefer a smoother sound from the orchestra. But still, as choral performances they are beautiful.
Herreweghe has some very interesting recordings on Phy. Perhaps my favorite is his Dvorak Stabat Mater. I wouldn't have thought he would be good with something like that, but it's a very effecting performance, I find.
I already ordered this a few days ago..... What about doing something on a recent box of herreweghe conducting: beethoven, haydn, dvorak, bruuuckkner? I have doubts about him on Beethoven (symphonies were weak) and Bruckner and Haydn??? Thanks
Especially "Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied" is a piece that is very dear to my heart 😇🎶 Thank you for the review - will you talk about the Herreweghe Beethoven-Box on Brilliant Classics? 🙊
"O Jesu Christ, meins Lebens Licht" (BWV 118) is a wonderful funeral music. It is neither a true cantata nor a true motet, so it is often not included in complete sets. I recommend it to all Bach lovers who would not know it already.
Couldn't agree more! 118 and that other orphan BWV50 ought to made compulsory at the start of all Bach choral concerts (imho).
I was particularly grateful for this review, Dave, because I was thinking of adding this set to my collection since I spied it on Amazon. I haven't heard any of Herreweghe's more recent recordings for his "Phi" label. Viewers might want to know that there are two Cantatas in common between the "Phi" box and the Harmonia Mundi box--namely, BWV 80 {"Ein feste Burg") and BWV 198 ("Trauerode"). Presumably these are remakes, though their predecessors were very fine indeed. Maybe he redid "Ein feste Burg" because last time he chose to give us the version with trumpets and timpani (the latter presumably added by his son, W. F.), and perhps this time he wants to give us his thoughts on the original scoring, without the "military" instruments. I will also note that BWV 73 and 105 are presumably remakes as well. Herreweghe recorded both several decades ago for the Virgin Classics label. Those were reissued later in an inexpensive 4-CD box contaning a clutch of 6 or so Cantatas plus the four Missa Breves. Used copies of that box are still available on Amazon if anyone is interested. Fine performances all, though not as well recorded as his later Harmonia Mundi Bach.
Now I can't wait to hear Herreweghe's interpretation of the famous 'I took the train to Leipzig'-cantata :-)
Thank you, Dave. I like Bach's cantatas etc. but had not listened to Herreweghe until your previous chat. I really enjoyed the cantatas I listened to, and agree that his/their performances are warm-hearted. One side comment, however: the period instruments, especially the two horns, are REALLY rough. I actually prefer a smoother sound from the orchestra. But still, as choral performances they are beautiful.
I think that's a very fair appraisal, and I agree with you.
Herreweghe has some very interesting recordings on Phy. Perhaps my favorite is his Dvorak Stabat Mater. I wouldn't have thought he would be good with something like that, but it's a very effecting performance, I find.
I already ordered this a few days ago.....
What about doing something on a recent box of herreweghe conducting: beethoven, haydn, dvorak, bruuuckkner? I have doubts about him on Beethoven (symphonies were weak) and Bruckner and Haydn???
Thanks
His Beethoven 9th is weak and boring
As you mentioned, this box, as with most collections omit the libretti, which could be cheaply included on a single cd-rom
Have you ever thought about tackling the cello suites by bach in the future? Thank you for your work!
Especially "Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied" is a piece that is very dear to my heart 😇🎶
Thank you for the review - will you talk about the Herreweghe Beethoven-Box on Brilliant Classics? 🙊
No, I will not. I reviewed some of his Beethoven on ClassicsToday.com.
@@DavesClassicalGuide thanks, I'll check out those reviews 👍
The logo is a lower case greek phi. Now I know why I suffered through a year of ancient Greek -- so I could make this comment at this moment in time !
He needs to do HIP versions of Mahler