CD ECM Records Hilliard Ensemble - J. S. Bach: Motetten

2007

The Hilliard Ensemble
Joanne Lunn Soprano
Rebecca Outram Soprano
David James Countertenor
David Gould Countertenor
Steven Harrold Tenor
Rogers Covey-Crump Tenor, Organ
Gordon Jones Baritone
Robert Macdonald Bass

Bach’s choral oeuvre has marked an obvious gap in the huge repertoire of the Hilliard Ensemble which ranges from Perotinus Magnus to contemporary composition. Now the four singers – enhanced by four additional voices to form a soloist double choir – present their a-cappella-readings of Johann Sebastian Bach’s wonderful motets, fascinating us once again with their seamless blend of sound and unique intonation.

Working with an incredibly rich harmonic palette, the incisive articulation and collegial homogeneity which the ensemble achieves is remarkable. As one listens to the first section of “Singet dem Herrn” … the combination of terpsichorean grace with contrapuntal fluidity takes the breath away. Even by The Hilliard Ensemble’s elevated standards this is singing of quite extraordinary power. … Captured in the glorious acoustic of the Propstei St Gerold … the kaleidoscopic luminosity of these sui generis works brings the listener irrevocably closer to Bach’s genius.
Peter Quinn, International Record Review

The case for one-to-a-part Bach is well established nowadays. It works particularly well for the rich textures of the eight-part motets, and the expanded Hilliard Ensemble sings them superbly. Rhythms spring lightly, lines are transparent and structures are well work-out. … And, as one may expect from the Hilliard Ensemble, the intonation here is exemplary throughout.
George Pratt, BBC Music Magazine

With just one singer assigned to each part, the Hilliard Ensemble take a minimalist approach to these extraordinary works. … Every member of this remarkable group knows exactly how they fit into the musical scheme – it is likely, too, that the performances of Bach’s own time were on this scale. So this disc is a natural successor to the Hilliard’s previous excursions into pre-baroque music, supremely musical and overflowing with food for thought.
Andrew Clements, The Guardian

Bach’s motets are among the most thrilling choral music in existence, and this recording … is a magnificent achievement by the Hilliards. … Komm, Jesu, komm with its soprano-soaring third section, and the symmetrically conceived Jesu, meine Freude are utterly compelling.
Paul Driver, Sunday Times