The Observer

Bach Cantatas Vol.13 (21 Dec 2009)

The lastest in Gardiner's award-winning Bach Pilgrimage features cantatas recorded live in December 2000: BWV 61, 62, 36 in Cologne, BWV 70, 132, 147 in Lüneberg. In a typically lively programme note, Gardiner celebrates the "gripping" nature of these works and "howls with regret" that countless others from Bach's Weimar period (1713-7), from which some of these date, were destroyed. Gardiner's vivid commitment carries through to the joyful performances. This ongoing recording project ranks as one of the musical events of the decade.

Fiona Maddocks