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BIS-2271
Originally recorded in 2021
Classical
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About
When he died, Nicolaus Bruhns was just 31 years old, and only twelve of his vocal works and five organ compositions have survived. On the strength of these, he is nevertheless considered one of the most prominent North German composers of the generation between Buxtehude and Bach. Buxtehude was in fact Bruhns teacher, and thought so highly of him that recommended him for a position in Copenhagen. There he worked as a violin virtuoso and composer until 1689, when he returned to Northern Germany to become organist in the main church of Husum. It was here that most if not all of the extant works were performed. According to Bach's obituary, Bruhns was one of the composers that he took ‘as a model’, and he is therefore naturally of interest to Bach specialist Masaaki Suzuki. On the first of two discs made in collaboration with the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, Suzuki directs – from the organ – a group of singers and musicians, in six of the vocal works: so-called ‘sacred concertos’ scored for 1 - 3 soloists and various combinations of string instruments with basso continuo. With a very generous playing time (86 minutes) there is also space on the disc for Suzuki’s performances of two organ pieces by Bruhns – the larger of the two preludes in E minor, and the fantasia on the chorale Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland.
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Reviews
Recommended
“By any standards, an inspired and inspiring disc, and the perfect introduction to Nicolaus Bruhns.”
“… For this venture, Suzuki directs the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, rather than his usual Bach Collegium Japan. But his signature pristine quality is still evident in these performances. Articulation is neat and stylish (take the opening of the Paratum Cor Meum, for instance), while tempos bounce along effortlessly (Jauchzet Dem Herren Alle Welt is a good example). At times, Suzuki’s restraint seems to stifle the music’s dramatic instinct but this still remains a lovely showcase of Bruhns, who had a flair for vivid word setting. And we hear Suzuki as organist too, on a Yale University organ with meantone tuning, giving a wonderfully tangy flavour for the Praeludium in E minor and the chorale fantasia for organ solo, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland.” ***½
Classic Today Recommendation
Artistic Quality 10 Sound Quality 10 Overall Impression 10
“…Everything is right on this recording: a cleverly selected program by an outstanding baroque composer, stylistically confident interpreters who act with a lot of heart but also scientifically sound, and a recording technique that offers real all-round sound.”
Editor’s Choice – Vocal Section
“… With a total time of just over 86 minutes the physical disc is exceptionally well filled. Its bountifulness is matched by its high quality and excellent execution. Vol. 2 is eagerly awaited.”
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