CD review in Early Music America Magazine

by Denise Gallo

Originally published in Early Music America Magazine, Vol. 12 No. 4, Winter 2006

Johann Sebastian Bach
Cantatas BWV 202, 82, and32

Dominique Labelle, soprano; Sanford Sylvan, baritone; Krista River, mezzo-soprano; Frank Kelley, tenor; Sarasa Ensemble (Richard Earle, oboe; Alison Bury, Claire Jolivet, violin; Jennifer Stirling, viola; Timothy Merton, cello; Anne Trout, bass; Maggie Cole, harpsichord) Sarasa (self-produced) 63:95 minutes

Although it is invigorating to hear the cantatas of J.S. Bach performed by large forces, it can be informative to hear the compositions he wrote for solo voice. This recording of two solo cantatas and a third cantata, cast as a duet between Christ and the Soul, features soprano Dominique Labelle, baritone Sanford Sylvan, and the Sarasa Ensemble.

One thread linking the three works is that they highlight the way Bach uses the oboe. Although the liner notes suggest that listeners might hear the instrument as a “stop”- hence, the ensemble as imitative of full organ sonority- this diminishes Bach’s superb grasp of the use of contemporary instrumental ensembles. It is more plausible to hear the oboe as an additional voice, a notion ably demonstrated by Richard Earle, who skillfully anticipates, decorates, and harmonizes the solo vocal lines.

It is critical, then, that the soloists treat the oboe as an equal, and, to their credit, Labelle and Sylvan do just that. In many ways, this is Sylvan’s shining hour, for his performance of “ Ich habe genug” (BWV 82) is the strongest of the three. In her solo cantata, “Weichet nur, betrubte Schatten” (BWV 202), Labelle seems to sacrifice melodic line for technique. Yet both singers perform masterfully in the final cantata, “Liebster Jesu, mein Verlangen” (BWV 32) and are joined for the traditional final chorale movement by mezzo-soprano Krista River and tenor Frank Kelley. This recording will be an ear-opener for those unfamiliar with the more delicate sounds of Bach.

— Denise Gallo