Johann Sebastian Bach - Cantatas for Alto (Benno Schachtner; Collegium 1704)

Information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

• Geist und Seele wird verwirret, BWV 35
• Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust, BWV 170
• Gott soll allein mein Herze haben, BWV 169

Benno Schachtner, countertenor

Johannes Lang, organ

Julia Sophie Wagner, soprano

Patrick Grahl, tenor

Gotthold Schwarz, bass

Collegium 1704

Václav Luks, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Glossa

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During the summer and autumn of 1726, Johann Sebastian Bach composed three solo cantatas for an exceptionally gifted alto singer, likely a young vocalist performing in falsetto, much like today’s countertenor. These innovative works elevate the organ from its traditional basso continuo role to a prominent solo instrument that interacts dynamically with the orchestra and vocal soloist. In this recording, Václav Luks conducts Collegium 1704 at Bach’s historic workplace, St. Thomas’ Church in Leipzig. The album features the church's specialized 2000 "Bach organ," whose construction and tonal design are specifically tailored to present Bach’s masterworks in their ideal sonic context.

German countertenor Benno Schachtner (b. 1984) began his musical journey as a boy soloist with the Ulmer Spatzen before pursuing studies at the Detmold Academy of Music and the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Notably, he made history as the first countertenor to earn the title of "Bachpreisträger" at the prestigious International Bach Competition in Leipzig. His career encompasses major operatic roles, including title performances in Handel’s Arminio, Orlando, and Giulio Cesare, alongside debuts at the Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin and Theater Erfurt. As a concert soloist, Schachtner regularly collaborates with world-renowned ensembles and conductors, performing at venues like the Bachfest Leipzig, Berlin Konzerthaus, and Dresden Frauenkirche.