Goldberg n° 45 (April 2007)

5 STARS      

This beautifully performed program of 17th-century German sacred works for solo voice and string ensemble takes its name from Psalm 130, "Out of th dephts have I cried unto thee." The recording features a setting of the psalm by Nicolaus Bruhns, as well as works by Matthias Weckmann, Johann Christoph Bach, Christian Geist, and Benedictus Buns (known as Benedictus a Sancto Josepho). Rounding out the program are works for string ensemble by Heinrich Ignaz Franz Von Biber and Johann Heinrich Schmelzer.
This is moving music, and while there is a prevailing sense of somber piety throughout, there is enough variety in each selection to keep the listener thoroughly engaged. Bass Peter Kooij's deeply expressive singing and virtuoso technique — some of these pieces make rather pressing demands on the singer — and the rich tonal beauty of the strings of L'Armonia Sonora, make this a highly rewarding recording of brilliant repertoire.
Some highlights: Weckmann's Kommet her zu mir alle, with its hints of the Italian style, showcases marvelous playing by the string ensemble and features Kooij at his expressive best. J. Christoph Bach's dramatic setting of the sixth psalm, a vivid meditation on humanity's miserable state, is one of the recording's sublime moments. The composer's instrumental writing underscores the text with striking word-painting, and Kooij infuses every word with power and meaning.
The recorded sound and well-written liner notes compliment the music. While some of this repertoire has been recorded before, it is unlikely that you will find such an ideal marriage of performance and production on any disc.

Craig Zeichner