Bach: Cantatas BWV 82 and 199

CD Details

Johann Sebastian Bach composed two sacred cantatas for solo voice in the Baroque era. Cantata BWV 82, originally written for bass, was later revised by Bach and pairs a mezzo voice with solo oboe and strings. Cantata BWV 199 similarly features prominent oboe accompaniment and explores themes of guilt and redemption. Mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson performs both works with expressive control, her voice darkening and lightening to suit the emotional arc of each piece, from the hushed lullaby quality of one aria to the joyful anticipation of salvation in the closing sections.

This 2003 CD on the Nonesuch label presents Emmanuel Music Orchestra under conductor Craig Smith. The recording captures Lieberson’s dynamic range and rhythmic precision across the two cantatas. A hand-inspected copy of this release offers a chance to own a valued recording of an underrepresented artist.