DIETERICH BUXTEHUDE: MEMBRA JESU NOSTRI

Buxtehude’s Passion meditation, Membra Jesu nostri (1680) is, arguably, the most wonderful cantata cycle from the 17th century. The text, comprising biblical and poetic extracts, focuses on seven parts of the crucified Christ’s body – the feet, knees, hands, side, breast, heart, and face – each cantata consisting of a sonata, solo and choral movements. On this CD, the cycle is beautifully interpreted with style, phrasing, dynamics and precise tuning in Werckmeister temperament. Choral singing alternates with the ensemble of solo voices and solo strings, and the consort of viols makes a fine contribution to the focal point of the cycle, ‘Ad cor’.

DAVID PONSFORD Read the full review on Agora Classica