Cantatas

Bach: Cantatas / Natalie Dessay, Emmanuelle Haïm, Le Concert D'Astrée, Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach, Performer: Natalie Dessay, Conductor: Emmanuelle Haïm, Orchestra/Ensemble: Le Concert D'Astrée. I must admit that I was intrigued when I received this latest recital offer from French soprano Natalie Dessay. Widely celebrated for her intuitive, exciting performances on stage and the easiness with which she sings extremely difficult coloratura roles, Ms Dessay's decision to record a CD with solely Bach cantatas did not appear the most obvious choice. Delightfully, although her choice might not be obvious, it was definitely right. From the tasteful, stylish packaging, in subtle black and white, with only the composer's name in bright orange, to the insightful performance of the orchestra and Ms Dessay's fresh singing and clear German diction, this disc is a wonderful gem and a joy to discover. This recital is dedicated by Dessay to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Whether one enjoys Bach's music and whether one appreciates this singer's artistry or not, is almost irrelevant; this is a magnificent sequence from a mature artist, who patently comprehends the beauty and purity of the music. It deserves to feature in any classical music collection.