J. S. Bach. Cantatas 34, 93, and 100

Christian Century, Dec 13, 2003

Windsbach Boys' Choir, Susanne Winter, Rebecca Martin, Markus Schafer, Sebastian Bluth, conducted by Karl-Friedrich Beringer. Rondeau 2007, $20 (http://www.rondeau.de/seiten/cd_focus/rop2007/).

These are three of Bach's most thrilling cantatas. The performances are alert and clear, carefully polished without sounding cautious or generic. Period-instrument ensembles are usually preferred, but the crisp style here is a perfectly balanced modern compromise. Order directly from Rondeau.