Buxtehude: Membra Jesu Nostri / The Sixteen
Label: CORO Catalog: COR16082 Format: CD Carolyn Sampson, Libby Crabtree, Robin Blaze, James Gilchrist & Simon Birchall The Sixteen, Harry ChristophersBuxtehude’s cantata cycle, Membra Jesu Nostri, is a totally unique work. Based on texts from a medieval Latin hymn, ‘Salve mundi salutare’, the cycle contains seven cantatas each dedicated to a different part of Christ’s crucified body. The texts are based on the concept of an observer contemplating Christ’s body on the cross starting with his feet and moving up to his knees, hands, side, breast, heart and finally his head. Buxtehude plays cleverly with musical colours and textures and changes the mixture of voices and instruments to dramatic effect as the work develops. Harry Christophers and The Sixteen are joined by some fine soloists on this disc including Carolyn Sampson, Robin Blaze and James Gilchrist. (Originally recorded for and released on Linn Records.) Price: $25.98 |