Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Cantata « Erfreut euch, ihr Herzen », BWV 66 (1724) Cantata given in Leipzig for the Easter Monday in 1724
Cantata « Ein Herz, das seinen Jesum lebend weiß », BWV 134 (1724) Cantata given in Leipzig for the Easter Tuesday in 1724
Osteroratorium, BWV 249 (1725) Oratorio given in Leipzig for the Easter Sunday in 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, Director
“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
