Johann Sebastian Bach - The Complete Chorale Cantatas. Cantatas 1-3 (Stephan MacLeod)

Information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

• O Ewigkeit, du Donnerwort, BWV 20
• Ach Gott vom Himmel sieh darein, BWV 2
• Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam, BWV 7

Alex Potter; David Hernandez; Valerio Contaldo

Thomas Hobbs; Guy Ferber; Leila Schayegh

Félix Knecht; Nadia Rigolet; Francis Jacob

Gli Angeli Genève

Stephan MacLeod, conductor

Date: 2025

Label: Aparté

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Between 1724 and 1725, Johann Sebastian Bach began creating a full cycle of cantatas based on chorale melodies, later expanding the collection to encompass the entire liturgical year. This set of 56 cantatas, recorded live over six years by Gli Angeli Genève and Stephan MacLeod, highlights the project’s theological, musical, and historical significance—one of Bach’s most ambitious undertakings. Each cantata is paired with its opening chorale and an organ work on the same melody, arranged according to the liturgical calendar. The release is complemented by Philippe Albera’s extensive trilingual commentary, offering a comprehensive guide to this remarkable achievement.

Gli Angeli Genève, founded in 2005 by Stephan MacLeod, is a flexible period-instrument ensemble composed of Baroque specialists who also perform beyond early music, giving the group a distinctive energy and curiosity. Initially focused on presenting complete Bach cantatas in Geneva, the ensemble quickly became a meeting place for top early-music performers and emerging graduates. Since its acclaimed early recordings, it has expanded to over fifteen annual concerts in Geneva—including Bach Cantatas, a Haydn-Mozart festival, and a chamber series—and is in demand internationally. Its wide repertoire, major festival appearances, and award-winning recordings, including works by Bach, Josquin, Haydn, Mozart, and Reicha, have established its strong international reputation.

Stephan MacLeod (born 1971 in Geneva) is a conductor and singer best known as founder and artistic director of Gli Angeli Genève, an ensemble devoted to 17th–19th-century repertoire on period instruments. Originally trained in violin and piano, he later studied voice in Geneva, Cologne, and Lausanne, launching an international singing career with Musica Antiqua Köln and performing under leading conductors across major stages. Since 2005 he has combined singing with an increasingly active conducting career, leading ensembles worldwide and frequently directing Bach. A dedicated teacher, he has held posts at the Haute École de Musique in Lausanne and Geneva. His extensive discography exceeds 100 acclaimed recordings.

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