Bach: Coffee Cantata; Peasant Cantata

Advantages: A fine mixture of gothic, medieval and modern music and words. You will know some of the themes - it will repay study. This is a superb rendition.
Disadvantages: None

...with peasant fare and mugs overflowing with wine. For many years its words were not translated from the original language because of their lewd nature. It has acquired shadows from the most sinister forces of the last century. It is now a prized part of the orchestral repertoire. There is also a stage performance (part theatre, part ballet) – which is being revived in the UK later this year. Give this one a try. Be patient. I think you will come to like it. WHO WAS CARL ORFF? Born in Munich in 1895, Carl Orff was late in developing his own musical style. Although he had composed many minor pieces – even before he had any formal training – it was not until he was thirty that he started to attract any attention. He was appointed as conductor to the Munich Bach Society in 1931. There are many rumours that Orff was a Nazi or at least a Nazi... Read review

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Advantages: it is a relaxing piece of music that will transport you to heaven and back
Disadvantages: none- except if its sung badly

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Advantages: Bonney's gorgeous voice; intelligent singing; great selection of songs
Disadvantages: No translations included

..., to the full symphony orchestra used in the operatic arias. The album begins with a selection of early music, including ‘Come again’ by Dowland, ‘Dido’s Lament’ from Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and ‘Heute noch, lieber vater’ from Bach’s Coffee Cantata. Bonney demonstrates superbly that early music doesn’t have to be lacking in emotion- her Dido is subtly drawn but full of pain and tragedy. The Alleluia from Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate shows an impressive technical flexibility and skill, with Bonney making the scalic coloratura runs sound ridiculously easy (and having sung the piece I can assure you that they are not!). But for me it is in the Mozart operatic arias that Bonney really shines. She has the perfect voice for Mozart opera- light but warm and full of personality. Her ‘... Read review

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