Bach & Telemann: Himmelfahrt

There’s a crisp magnificence to this recording, celebrating the Feast of Ascension through vocal works by J.S. Bach and his near-contemporary Georg Telemann. Here the chamber choir Vox Luminis is made up of just 16 voices, resulting in a sound that’s not just agile, but warm and fulsome, too. And they make perfect partners for the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra who respond with equal nimbleness. From bar one, the music glistens like silver, director Lionel Meunier driving the opening chorus of Bach’s 1735 Ascension Oratorio, BWV 11 with a thrilling energy. Bach includes trumpets and timpani in the opening and closing choruses, both of which blaze with infectious joy. And in between, the oratorio takes on a more contemplative character, with beautiful arias and recitatives that showcase Vox Luminis’ choral blend and solo talents. Next to Bach’s astonishing vocal output, it’s easy to forget that Georg Telemann’s contribution to the cantata genre was even more prolific (if not necessarily of the same quality). Ich fahre auf zu meinem Vater (I am going to my Father) is one of more than 30 Ascension cantatas written by Telemann and possesses a lithe playfulness, almost Handelian in nature. Every note is beautifully captured by these superb musicians, while the soprano aria “Ich kann getrost im Tode sein” (“I can find comfort in death”) is particularly lovely. We finish with one of Bach’s most glorious creations, Auf Christi Himmelfahrt allein (On Christ’s ascent to heaven alone) with its densely scored opening chorus, contrasting arias, and a final chorale that brings this stunning recording to a warm yet jubilant close.