Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Easter oratorio

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Cantate « Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen », BWV 66 (1724)
Cantate donnée à Leipzig pour le lundi de Pâques 1724

Cantate « Ein Herz, das seinen Jesum lebend weiß », BWV 134 (1724)
Cantate donnée à Leipzig pour le mardi de Pâques 1724

Osteroratorium, BWV 249 (1725)
Oratorio donné à Leipzig pour le dimanche de Pâques 1725

CAST

Anna El Khashem, Soprano
Mari Askvik, Alto
Nick Pritchard, Tenor
Edwin Crossley Mercer, Bass

Chœur de Chambre de Namur
Thibault Lenaerts
, Choirmaster

Les Talens Lyriques
Christophe Rousset, Direction musicale

“The Easter oratorio is performed far less at Easter than the two passions, and is more like a cantata than an oratorio, with alternations between dry recitatives, choruses and solo arias. The cantata Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen is a marvel with trumpets and drums to celebrate Easter, the joy of Christ’s resurrection.
Some of the soloists in the cast are loyal collaborators of Les Talens Lyriques. Notably Nick Pritchard, who we were lucky enough to have on Atys, and Edwin Crossley Mercer. We also have Anna El Khashem and Mari Askvik, who were with us for our St Matthew’s Passion and who were remarkable. I’m always absolutely delighted to see them again.
We’ve had very little opportunity to play Bach as an Ensemble, but I’m an outspoken advocate of Bach on the harp- sichord, having recorded his complete works. I think I can bring a very personal perspective to this music by finding my own path.”

– Christophe Rousset