Bach & Sandström: Choral Sacred Works, Vol. 2

Hannover Chamber Choir; Festa Musicale, La; Doormann, Stephan

The work of Johann Sebastian Bach fascinated – and inspired – many composers after him. The Swedish composer Sven-David Sandström (b. 1942) was also inspired by Bach's music to create his own works, including new versions of the texts that Bach set to music in the motets. This second album, featuring the motets of Sandström, juxtaposes his compositions Jesu, meine Freude Fürchte dich nicht, and Singet dem Herrn ein neues Lied with the Bach motets BWV 226, 229 and 230. In its clear performance the Kammerchor Hannover, led by Stephan Doormann, immerses itself deeply in the ingeniously constructed works, be it in Sandström’s intoxicating clusters and complex rhythms that demand the highest level of sensitivity from the parts, or in Bach's baroque elegance, which reveals a fascinating counterpoint. With this CD has been achieved not only the world’s first complete recording of all six motets by Sven-David Sandström, but also the world premiere recording of the two motets Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf and Jesu, meine Freude.

Price: $27.98