Album: Cantamus Bach Choir & Orchestra, Complesso Corale Cantamus, J S Bach: the Leipzig Years (Accademia)

Focusing on the decades Bach spent as Cantor of the Leipzig Thomasschule towards the end of his life, these choral pieces – including his last, "Vor deinem Thron tret ich hiermit", dictated from his deathbed – are delivered with power and precision.

Most impressive is the cantata Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt, whose opening chorale is followed by a delightful aria of sprightly cadence, "Mein gläubiges Herze", embellished with pleasing interplay of oboe and violin.

Download this: 'Vor deinem Thron tret ich hiermit'