Stephan MacLeod - Gli Angeli Genève
Between 1724 and 1725, Johann Sebastian Bach undertook the composition of a complete cycle of cantatas based on chorale melodies. During the ensuing decade he enriched this unique and still too little-known body of work, thereby seeking to cover the whole liturgical year.
By compiling these 56 cantatas in this collection, Gli Angeli Genève and Stephan MacLeod highlight the singular nature of this exceptional project - theological, musical and historical - perhaps the most ambitious of Bach's life.
Recorded live over nearly six years, this complete set presents each cantata, its initial chorale as well as an organ piece written on the chorale, following the liturgical calendar. This formidable musical edifice is enriched by an exhaustive commentary by Philippe Albera in three languages (French, English, German), offering the listener an overview of this masterpiece.