Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

It was in 1680 that the organist of the Marienkirche in Lubeck wrote this highly unusual work. In the course of this cycle of cantatas, the imaginary observer of Christ's sufferings gradually directs his gaze upwards, from the feet (cantata 1, "Ad Pedes") to the face (cantata 7: "Ad Faciem"). Comparisons with Bach are inevitable but in this work Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) produced a classic of German baroque sacred music and surely there is room for both in the repertoire. This title was released for the first time in 2006 to great critical acclaim and is still in print for those who wish to pay extra and get better packaging and more comprehensive liner notes than those supplied in this budget reissue. The music, though, is the same and includes "Nimm Von Uns, Herr, du Treuer Gott" (BuxWV 78) which is far more than a makeweight. The vocal septet Cantus Cölln sing beautifully and while it would be wrong to single out any of the singers I cannot but help myself mentioning the bass Stephan Schreckenberger who is outstanding. Those who try to listen to a Passion oratorio at Easter may well enjoy Buxtehude's different approach to the story and its significance and even when we struggle to follow the words the music makes it clear as to what is happening. Those who wish to extend their understanding of baroque vocal music will appreciate this re-release and all who like choral singing will applaud Konrad Junghänel's Cantus Cölln.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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