Album: Andreas Scholl, Bach Cantatas, Decca

In his liner note to this refined anthology, countertenor Andreas Scholl stresses how, when preparing to perform the Bach cantatas, he pays particular attention tothe meaning of the lyric and its religious context.

Hence the peculiar delight with which death is contemplated in the closing aria of "Ich habe genug", reflecting the protagonist's eagerness to leave "this world of woe". Originally written for bass soloist, it transposes perfectly to the higher register, with the organ and strings anchoring its sombre character as oboe gracefully adorns Scholl's typically poised delivery, eschewing the dramatic stridency to which some countertenors are prone.

DOWNLOAD THIS: Ich habe genug; Gott soll allein mein Herze haben; Bekennen will ich seinen Namen