The first time I heard this performance was in autumn of 1995 at the store Audio Options on Forbes Ave. in Squirrel Hill, a neighborhood of Pittsburgh, with my dear friend Bany. We used to frequently stop by there to see what CDs they had for purchase, to chat with the very friendly and knowledgeable proprietor Mark, and listen to his excellent component stereo system. Bany and I were students at Carnegie Mellon University. We’d make the long trek of about 1.5-2 miles up Forbes Ave. I was absolutely blown away by English soprano Dame Emma Kirkby’s virtuosity and warmth in this recording! The freshness of her voice, united with her virtuoso flexibility, give great pleasure. She has the bright and clear tones of a boy soprano, yet with the technical and artistic maturity of an adult. And the really amazing thing about her singing is that there is virtually no vibrato! Which I prefer. The work is Bach’s sacred cantata Jauchzetg Gott in allen Landen (BWV 51). The entire performance is wonderful, but the jaw dropping rendition of the aria Alleluja is stunning! Ms. Kirkby sings to 2 octaves above middle C as she completes the “ja” in Alleluja. This performance is without equal and remains firm evidence for why Dame Emma Kirkby should be considered the finest soprano of Early Music to ever live in the modern era! Go to 14:45 to hear this part! Also be sure to note the utterly effortless register shifts in the second aria Hochster, mache deine Gute, they have to be heard to be believed! Emma Kirkby’s greatness is complemented by the superb trumpet playing of Crispian Steele and again the conducting of Gardiner and the magnificent ensemble of the English Baroque Soloists. This stellar performance is one of my very favorite of all time! I’ve heard her sing other Bach pieces, as well as other composers and she always delivers a remarkable performance! Truly she is the best of the best!
English Baroque Soloists – conducted by Sir John Eliot Gardiner
Emma Kirkby – Soprano
Crispian Steele-Perkins – Trumpet
Please enjoy this brilliant performance!
Biblical quotations in green font, chorales in purple
1
Aria [Soprano]
Tromba, ViolinoI/II, Viola, Continuo
Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen! Shout for joy to God in every land! Was der Himmel und die Welt An Geschöpfen in sich hält, All the creatures contained in heaven and earth Müssen dessen Ruhm erhöhen, must exalt his glory, Und wir wollen unserm Gott and to our God we would Gleichfalls itzt ein Opfer bringen, now likewise bring an offering Dass er uns in Kreuz und Not since in affliction and distress Allezeit hat beigestanden. at all times he has stood by us.
2
Recitative [Soprano]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Wir beten zu dem Tempel an, We pray at the temple Da Gottes Ehre wohnet, where God’s honour dwells, Da dessen Treu, where his faithfulness So täglich neu, that is renewed every day Mit lauter Segen lohnet. Rewards us with unmixed blessing. Wir preisen, was er an uns hat getan. We praise what he has done for us. Muss gleich der schwache Mund von seinen Wundern lallen, Even if our weak mouths have to babble about his wonders, So kann ein schlechtes Lob ihm dennoch wohlgefallen. yet imperfect praise can still please him.
3
Aria [Soprano]
Continuo
Höchster, mache deine Güte Most High God, make your goodness Ferner alle Morgen neu. new every morning from now on. So soll vor die Vatertreu Then to your fatherly love Auch ein dankbares Gemüte a thankful spirit in us in turn Durch ein frommes Leben weisen, through a devout life will show Dass wir deine Kinder heißen. that we are called your children.
4
Chorale [Soprano]
Violino I/II, Continuo
Sei Lob und Preis mit Ehren May there be praise and glory and honour Gott Vater, Sohn, Heiligem Geist! For God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Der woll in uns vermehren, May it be his will to increase in us Was er uns aus Gnaden verheißt, what he promises us through his grace, Dass wir ihm fest vertrauen, so that we firmly trust in him, Gänzlich uns lass’n auf ihn. rely completely on him, Von Herzen auf ihn bauen, from our hearts build on him, Dass uns’r Herz, Mut und Sinn so that our heart, spirit and mind Ihm festiglich anhangen; depend steadfastly on him; Drauf singen wir zur Stund: about this we now sing: Amen, wir werdn’s erlangen, Amen, we shall achieve this, Glaub’n wir aus Herzensgrund. if we believe from the bottom of our hearts
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