Bach Collegium Japan:Suzuki - Bach: Cantatas Volume 52

In Volume 52 of his monumental sacred cantatas project, Masaaki Suzuki includes one of J.S. Bach's best-loved cantatas of all, Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140.The famous chorale is joined by a couple of the most beautiful love duets in the history of music, here sung by the soprano Hana Bla��kov� and bass Peter Kooij. Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt ('the Lord is my faithful shepherd') follows. Psalm 23 provides the text for all five movements.Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir was composed for a church service celebrating the inauguration of a new city council - a 'Ratswahl cantata' - in which Bach shows off his capabilities as a composer. The first chorus is a reworking of material which Bach would return to in his Mass in B minor.