J.S. BACH p Aria Schweigt, ihr Flöten, schweigt, ihr Töne [4.31] THE COMPLETE SOLO SOPRANO CANTATAS, VOL. 1 a Recitativo Was Luft? was Grab? [1.35] s Aria Großer Gönner, dein Vergnügen [2.50] d Recitativo Hochteurer Mann, so fahre ferner fort [1.29] f Aria Seid beglückt, edle Beide [4.33] Ich habe genug, BWV 82a 1 Aria Ich habe genug [6.37] Total timings: [71.23] 2 Recitativo Ich habe genug [0.57] 3 Aria Schlummert ein, ihr matten Augen [8.53] 4 Recitativo Mein Gott! wann kömmt das schöne: Nun! [0.39] GILLIAN KEITH SOPRANO 5 Aria Ich freue mich auf meinen Tod [3.08] ARMONICO CONSORT CHRISTOPHER MONKS DIRECTOR Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten, BWV 202 6 Aria Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten [6.12] www.signumrecords.com 7 Recitativo Die Welt wird wieder neu [0.22] 8 Aria Phoebus eilt mit schnellen Pferden [3.06] 9 Recitativo Drum sucht auch Amor sein Vergnügen [0.36] Bach’s cantatas hold a special place amongst Throughout his career, as church organist, 0 Aria Wenn die Frühlingslüfte streichen [2.30] performers and devotees of his music. Whether Kapellemeister, and Cantor, Bach wrote hundreds q Recitativo Und dieses ist das Glücke [0.44] sacred or secular, these works provide incredible of cantatas of which over 200 survive. These w Aria Sich üben im Lieben [4.01] variety for listeners and players alike. Some were mostly written to be performed within in e Recitativ So sei das Band der keuschen Liebe [0.23] contain elements of storytelling similar to the Lutheran service, with the text based on r Aria Sehet in Zufriedenheit [1.39] arias and recitatives from his great Passions; the liturgical passage for the given Sunday many have instrumental movements and solo in the church calendar. But some were O holder Tag, erwünschte Zeit, BWV 210 passages that rival any of his concerti, and are composed for other official occasions, such t Recitativo O holder Tag, erwünschte Zeit [0.51] indeed borrowed directly from some of the most as weddings, of nobility, and y Aria Spielet, ihr beseelten Lieder [6.06] famous. Not surprisingly, Bach’s cantatas are political functions. u Recitativo Doch, haltet ein, ihr muntern Saiten [1.05] often incredibly virtuosic, demanding as much i Aria Ruhet hie, matte Töne [6.39] technical ability, style and understanding of the Cantata BWV 82 was first performed in its o Recitativo So glaubt man denn, dass die Musik verführe [1.52] music as any of his other works. version for bass solo with oboe obbligato on

- 3 - 2nd February 1727 for The Purification of Mary, word “Freude”. The central “slumber aria” The text, by an unknown author, compares and describe in detail the esteem to which the the feast day which celebrates the presentation illustrates the restful closing of life, with nature’s awakening in spring to the blossoming patron holds music and its effect upon us all. of Jesus at the temple. In the prescribed long pedal notes and pauses expressing the of love between two people. Scored for strings readings for that Sunday was the Canticle of cessation of activity and earthly distractions. and continuo with oboe obbligato, in the The cantata is scored for strings with oboe Simeon, Nunc dimittis, on which the libretto The closing movement is a jubilant dance full opening movement the tender warmth of d’amore and flute obbligato. Both flute and for the cantata is based. Perhaps Bach had of impatience to reach the final resting place. the oboe line is the musical description of oboe have solo movements, and only in the the voice of Simeon in mind when he assigned the sun emerging to banish the gloomy final recitative and aria does the ensemble the music to the low vocal register; however BWV 202 Wiechet nur, betrübte Schatten is by winter weather. Several mythical characters are play all together. The piece begins with a for its next three performances he arranged far the most popular of all Bach’s wedding evoked in the poetry: Flora, Phoebus, and joyful blessing on the nuptial day and a lively the work for soprano and flute, transposed it cantatas, and has long been a favourite in the even Cupid himself do their work to bring joy aria in bright A major, which colours the into a higher key, and thus introduced it into soprano repertoire. But whose wedding was and blessings to the lovers. With Bach’s “gentle swoon” with a wavy vocal line finishing the soprano repertoire. The first recitative and it for? Many suggest that it was performed by contrapuntal genius evoking Phoebus’ galloping on a long held E in order to emphasise the the aria Schlummert ein were copied into the Anna Magdalena herself at her own wedding ride in a notably fiendish cello line, and lulling effect of the song. The text twice Anna Magdalena Notebook, suggesting she to Bach on 3rd December 1721, when they portraying Cupid’s “stepping out” with a refers specifically to the individual instruments, would have played and sung it herself at were “married at home, by command of the sprightly walking bass line. in the first aria suggesting “the delight of the home, which is an indication of Bach’s special Prince”, his then-employer. Although it would strings strengthen and uplift” the soul. In the affection for the piece. have been strange even then for a bride to As the longest of all his solo cantatas, Bach gentle, yet playful middle aria, the command, perform in her own marriage ceremony, the wrote BWV 210 O holder Tag for a wedding, but “Silence, you flutes, silence your tones”, goes In the opening movement, the gentle and fact that the Prince commanded a home once again we are unsure whose it was. Scholars unheeded as the flute carries on with extended plaintive phrase which describes the serene wedding gives some credence to the notion have narrowed it down to four likely occasions, runs which weave around the voice. The lilting acceptance of death is based on a motif of a that something unconventional happened. probably between 1738 and 1746, but the text E major aria with oboe suggests rest for the rising minor sixth. It is heard in both the flute The other suggestion is that the cantata (by an unknown poet) tells us that it was “weary notes”, each time painted with an and soprano line, which Bach also used in was performed in the celebrations after the certainly for the wedding of an influential elongated and tied note, while “tender harmony” the aria Erbarme dich from the St Matthew service, making it less strange for the bride to supporter of music and the arts. Written out is illustrated with a rising arpeggio. Bach’s Passion as well as in the duet from BWV 140 participate in the music-making. In any case, in elaborate calligraphy, the parts were likely “Great Patrons” are nobly represented by a Wenn kömmst du, mein Heil? To illustrate the scholars date the piece between 1717 and presented as a gift to the couple, the words courtly dance, and the wedding couple are joy of the acceptance of the Saviour and the 1723 when Bach was Court Master to speaking of marital love, and the role music celebrated in the last movement by a jubilant eager anticipation to meet him, Bach writes Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen. plays within it. The recitatives which precede finale. This bright finale features trills extensive florid passages of coloratura on the each aria are lengthy, almost like mini sermons, which suggest banners snapping in the

- 4 - - 5 - breeze and vocal coloratura sparkling like I am grateful to Armonico Consort for sharing Da seh ich auch mit Simeon For in Simeon, I already see celebratory fireworks! their excitement and belief in this venture Die Freude jenes Lebens schon. The joy of life to come. with me. Our 21st century approach to Laßt uns mit diesem Manne ziehn! Let us go with this man! I have always been drawn to the music of production through an online crowdfunding Ach! möchte mich von meines Leibes Ketten Ah! If only the Lord would free me Bach; his cantatas in particular were a campaign has brought us into contact with Der Herr erretten; from the chains of my body; mainstay of my early training and career. This so many supporters and friends we might not Ach! wäre doch mein Abschied hier, Ah! if only my departure were soon, ambitious project to record and perform all otherwise have reached. Thank you to each Mit Freuden sagt ich, Welt, zu dir: With joy I would say to you, O World, nine of Bach’s solo soprano cantatas is the and every person who helped this project on its Ich habe genug. I have enough. realisation of a personal dream that has its way, especially my unfailingly supportive family. 3 roots in my very earliest musical experiences. © Gillian Keith 2017 Schlummert ein, ihr matten Augen, Slumber, you weary eyes, Fallet sanft und selig zu! fall softly and close in contentment. Welt, ich bleibe nicht mehr hier, World, I will remain here no more. Hab ich doch kein Teil an dir, I own no part of you Ich habe genug, BWV 82a Das der Seele könnte taugen. that could matter to my soul. Hier muss ich das Elend bauen, Here I am resigned to misery, 1 Ich habe genug, Aber dort, dort werd ich schauen but there, there I shall see Ich habe den Heiland, das Hoffen der Frommen, I have enough. Süßen Friede, stille Ruh. sweet peace, quiet rest. Auf meine begierigen Arme genommen; I have held the Saviour, the hope of all peoples, 4 Ich habe genug! In my eager arms. Mein Gott! wenn kömmt das schöne: My God! When will I hear that precious word: I have enough. Nun! “Now!” Ich hab ihn erblickt, Da ich im Friede fahren werde when I will journey in peace, Mein Glaube hat Jesum ans Herze gedrückt; I have seen him, Und in dem Sande kühler Erde and rest both here in the cool soil of earth Nun wünsch ich, noch heute mit Freuden My faith has impressed Jesus on my heart; Und dort bei dir im Schoße ruhn? and there within your bosom. Von hinnen zu scheiden. Now I wish this very day Der Abschied ist gemacht, My departure is made, To depart from here with joy. Welt, gute Nacht! O world, good night!

2 Ich habe genug. I have enough. 5 Ich freue mich auf meinen Tod, I delight in my death, Mein Trost ist nur allein, My one consolation is this: Ach, hätt er sich schon eingefunden. Ah! If only it had already come. Dass Jesus mein und ich sein eigen möchte sein. that Jesus might be mine and I His own. Da entkomm ich aller Not, Then shall I escape all the suffering Im Glauben halt ich ihn, In faith, I hold him. Die mich noch auf der Welt gebunden. that still enslaves me now on earth.

- 6 - - 7 - Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten, BWV 202 Um nach seinem Schmuck zu sehn, to seek after his treasure, Welcher, glaubt man, dieser ist, which, people believe, is this: 6 Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten, Be gone, you troublesome shadows, Daß ein Herz das andre küßt. that one heart kisses another. Frost und Winde, geht zur Ruh! frosts and winds go to rest! Florens Lust Flora’s delight q Und dieses ist das Glücke, And this is happiness, Will der Brust will grant our breast Daß durch ein hohes Gunstgeschicke when through a lofty gift of fate Nichts als frohes Glück verstatten, nothing but joyful forturne, Zwei Seelen einen Schmuck erlanget, two souls achieve a single treasure, Denn sie träget Blumen zu. for she comes bearing flowers. An dem viel Heil und Segen pranget. shining with abundant happiness and blessings.

7 Die Welt wird wieder neu, The world becomes new again, w Sich üben in Lieben To become accustomed in love, Auf Bergen und in Gründen in the mountains and the valleys In Scherzen sich herzen to embrace in high spirits, Will sich die Anmut doppelt schön verbinden, the loveliness clings with doubled beauty, Ist besser als Florens vergängliche Lust. is better than Flora’s fleeting delights. Der Tag ist von der Kälte frei. the day is free from cold. Hier quellen die Wellen, Here the waves swell Hier lachen und wachen here laugh and watch 8 Phoebus eilt mit schnellen Pferden Phoebus races with rapid horses Die siegenden Palmen auf Lippen und Brust. the palms of victory on lips and breast. Durch die neugeborne Welt, through the new-born world, Ja, weil sie ihm wohlgefällt, yes, since this delights him, e So sei das Band der keuschen Liebe, So shall the bond of chaste love, Will er selbst ein Buhler werden. he himself will become a lover. Verlobte Zwei, committed pair, Vom Unbestand des Wechsels frei! be free from the inconstancy of change! 9 Drum sucht auch Amor sein Vergnügen, Therefore Love himself also seeks his delight, Kein jäher Fall, May no sudden fall Wenn Purpur in den Wiesen lacht, when the meadow laughs with purple flowers, Noch Donnerknall or thunderclap Wenn Florens Pracht sich herrlich macht,. when Flora’s splendour is gloriously arrayed Erschrecke die verliebten Triebe! frighten your amorous desires! Und wenn in seinem Reich, and when in her kingdom, Den schönen Blumen gleich, like beautiful flowers, r Sehet in Zufriedenheit See in contentment Auch Herzen feurig siegen. hearts, too, passionately triumph. Tausend helle Wohlfahrtstage, a thousand bright and prosperous days, Daß bald in der Folgezeit so that soon in coming time 0 Wenn die Frühlingslüfte streichen When the springtime breezes blow Eure Liebe Blumen trage! your love will blossom! Und durch bunte Felder wehn, and waft through the colourful fields, Pflegt auch Amor auszuschleichen, Love steals forth,

- 8 - - 9 - Und ein beseeltes Abba beten; and pray a devout “Abba;” O holder Tag, erwünschte Zeit, BWV 210 Es ist vielmehr im Geist bemüht their spirits are much more deeply stirred Und dichtet in der Brust ein angenehmes Lied. and compose in their breast a pleasant song. t O holder Tag, erwünschte Zeit, O gracious day, longed for time, Willkommen, frohe Stunden! welcome, happy hours! i Ruhet hie, matte Töne, Rest here, weary notes, Ihr bringt ein Fest, das uns erfreut. You bring a celebration that delights us. Matte Töne, ruhet hie! weary notes, rest here! Weg, Schwermut, weg, weg, Traurigkeit! Away, sorrow, away, away, sadness! Eure zarte Harmonie Your tender harmony Der Himmel, welcher vor uns wachet, Heaven, which watches over us, Ist vor die beglückte Eh’ Is for this glad marriage Hat euch zu unsrer Lust gemachet: has created you for our pleasure: Nicht die wahre Panacee. not the true panacea. Drum lasst uns fröhlich sein! so let us be joyful! Wir sind von Gott darzu verbunden, We are commanded by God, o So glaubt man denn, dass die Musik verführe So is it thought that music leads us astray, Uns mit den Frohen zu erfreun. to rejoice with the joyful. Und gar nicht mit der Liebe harmoniere? and does not harmonize with love at all? O nein! Wer wollte denn nicht ihren Wert Oh no! Who would not consider its y Spielet, ihr beseelten Lieder, Play, you lively songs, betrachten, worth, Werfet die entzückte Brust cast the enchanted breast Auf den so hohe Gönner achten? recognised by such lofty patrons? In die Ohnmacht sanfte nieder! into a gentle swoon! Gewiss, die gütige Natur Indeed, generous Nature Aber durch der Saiten Lust But through the strings’ delight Zieht uns von ihr auf eine höhre Spur. draws us with it to a higher path. Stärket und erholt sie wieder! strengthen and revive it again! Sie ist der Liebe gleich, ein großes Himmelskind, It resembles love, a great child of heaven, Nur, dass sie nicht, als wie die Liebe, blind. yet it is not, like love, blind. u Doch, haltet ein, Yet cease now, Sie schleicht in alle Herzen ein It steals into all hearts Ihr muntern Saiten; you lively strings; Und kann bei Hoh’ und Niedern sein. and can dwell with the high and the humble. Denn bei verliebten Eheleuten for around this loving betrothed couple Sie lockt den Sinn It calls the mind Soll’s stille sein. all should be quiet. Zum Himmel hin up to heaven Ihr harmoniert nicht mit der Liebe; You do not harmonise with love; Und kann verliebten Seelen and can to loving souls Denn eure angebornen Triebe for your innate urgings Des Höchsten Ruhm erzählen. describe the glory of the Highest. Verleiten uns zur Eitelkeit, mislead us into vanity, Ja, heißt die Liebe sonst weit stärker als der Tod, Indeed, love is called far stronger than death Und dieses schickt sich nicht zur Zeit. and this does not befit the time. Wer leugnet? die Musik stärkt uns and who would deny it? Music strengthens us Ein frommes Ehepaar A devout pair of newly-weds in Todes Not. during death’s suffering. Will lieber zu dem Dankaltar would rather approach the altar of thanks O wundervolles Spiel! O marvelous playing! Mit dem Gemüte treten with deep feelings

- 10 - - 11 - Dich, dich verehrt man viel. You, you we greatly honor. Sollst du auch itzo in der Tat shall you even now Doch, was erklingt dort vor ein Klagelied, Yet, what is that which sounds like a lament, An seinem Hochzeitfest verehren. at his wedding feast give honour. Das den geschwinden Ton beliebter Saiten which flees from the brisk sound of the beloved Wohlan, lass deine Stimme hören! Come forth, let your voice be heard! flieht? strings? s Großer Gönner, dein Vergnügen Great patrons, your pleasure p Schweigt, ihr Flöten, schweigt, ihr Töne, Silence, you flutes, silence your tones, Muß auch unsern Klang besiegen, must also vanquish our sounds, Denn ihr klingt dem Neid nicht schöne, for you do not sound beautiful to envy. Denn du verehrst uns deine Gunst. since you grant us your favour. Eilt durch die geschwärzte Luft, Hurry through the darkened air, Unter deinen Weisheitsschätzen Among the treasures of your wisdom Bis man euch zu Grabe ruft! until you are called to the grave! Kann dich nichts so sehr ergötzen nothing can bring you such delight Als der süßen Töne Kunst. as the art of sweet music. a Was Luft? was Grab? What air? What grave? Soll die Musik verderben, Shall the music be destroyed d Hochteurer Mann, so fahre ferner fort, Most honoured Sir, strongly continue, Die uns so großen Nutzen gab? that was of such service to us? Der ecken Harmonie wie itzt geneigt zu bleiben; remaining gracious as now to noble harmony; Soll so ein Himmelskind ersterben, Shall such a child of heaven perish, So wird sie dir dereinst die Traurigkeit vertreiben. for it will henceforth drive away your sadness. Und zwar für eine Höllenbrut? and only for a hellish brood? So wird an manchem Ort Thus, in many a place O nein! O No! Dein wohlverdientes Lob erschallen. your well-deserved praise will resound. Das kann nicht sein. That cannot be. Dein Ruhm wird wie ein Demantstein, Your fame will endure like a diamond stone, Drum auf, erfrische deinen Mut! So rise, renew your courage! Ja wie ein fester Stahl beständig sein, yes, like hardest steel, Die Liebe kann vergnügte Saiten Love can endure very well the Bis dass er in der ganzen Welt erklinge. until it echoes throughout the entire world. Gar wohl vor ihrem Throne leiden. delightful strings before its throne. Indessen gönne mir, Meanwhile permit me Indessen lass dich nur den blassen Neid Meanwhile only laugh at the pale Dass ich bei deiner Hochzeit Freude amidst the celebration of your wedding verlachen, envy; Ein wünschend Opfer zubereite to prepare a heart-felt offering, Was wird sich dein Gesang aus Satans Kindern what concern are Satan’s children to your Und nach Gebühr and as is proper, machen? song? Dein künftig Glück und Wohl besinge. sing to your future health and happiness. Genug, dass dich der Himmel schützt, It is enough, that heaven protects you, Wenn sich ein Feind auf dich erhitzt. when an enemy is hot upon you. f Seid beglückt, edle beide, Be happy, noble couple, Getrost, [noch fehlt’s nicht an] es leben noch Be comforted that there are many Edle beide, seid beglückt! noble couple, be happy! Patronen, patrons Beständige Lust May constant joy Die gern bei deiner Anmut wohnen. who would gladly live among your charms. Erfülle die Wohnung, vergnüge die Brust, fill your home, delight your breast, Und einen solchen Mäzenat And to such a Maecenas Bis daß euch die Hochzeit des Lammes erquickt. until you are refreshed at the Feast of the Lamb.

- 12 - - 13 - ARMONICO CONSORT Armonico Consort began life in 2001, set up by Supersize Polyphony where we perform 40 and Christopher Monks and a group of university 60-part works by Tallis and Striggio completely Armonico Consort Violin I Miles Golding colleagues with a shared passion for music from in the round, interspersed with Hildegard Director Christopher Monks Violin II Emma Lake the Renaissance to Baroque, coupled with the of Bingen”. It earned the group their first 5 Viola Joanne Miller imagination to find new and unusual ways to star review, from The Times, and there were Soprano Gillian Keith Cello Gabriel Amherst present . plenty more to follow. Double Bass Andrew Durban Oboe Geoff Coates Organ William Whitehead Audiences seemed to love their engaging and Among many notable events were their Flute Eva Caballero imaginative approach, and most concerts in the Wigmore Hall debut in 2003, performing at first year sold out. “That gave us confidence, the Hampton Court Palace Festival with energy and self-belief to carry on and do more, violinist (beginning a also to take more risks with our programming, continuing musical friendship), Mozart’s The and keep on experimenting,” says Christopher. Magic Flute at the Barbican and giving the first performances of Francesco Scarlatti’s The ideas kept flowing, as did the titles (“many music in Italy () and . of them were created down the pub”) including the concert programmes Naked Byrd and An education programme was fundamental Supersize Polyphony, and newly-created to Armonico Consort from the outset and now Monteverdi’s Flying Circus, Too Hot to Handel encompasses six AC Academy after-school and Baroque Around the Block. Their horizons and an in-school Creation programme broadened to include later repertoire but at which trains teachers as choir leaders, leaving the heart remained music of the Baroque a strong legacy in each school. This Choir and Renaissance, including some rarely-heard Creation scheme became the backbone of AC gems, performed by the finest singers and Academy reaching 15,000 children a year. By players using period instruments. “We take 2020, Armonico Consort aims to create 300 great care to craft programmes which bring as children’s choirs and 300 new choir leaders. much little-known music to life as possible, and find new and imaginative ways to bring this Armonico Consort count Dame Judi Dench, Jeremy music to audiences. I’m particularly proud of Irons, Nicola Benedetti, Sir , Ian © Simon J Price

- 14 - - 15 - Bostridge and Catrin Finch among their many Proms, Boston Symphony Hall, Sydney CHRISTOPHER MONKS guest artists. They have developed relationships House, Bregenz Festival, Edinburgh Festival with major concert halls across the UK and and ’s Wigmore Hall, in works The founder and Artistic Director of Armonico their recordings are regularly featured on BBC ranging from Bach Cantatas, to Mozart’s C Consort and its ground-breaking education Radio 3, Classic FM and radio stations across Minor Mass, to Oliver Knussen’s Symphony programme AC Academy, Christopher Monks the world. They continue to produce innovative No. 2. She has forged successful creative has established himself as a versatile and new projects including Oz & Armonico Drink partnerships with many and prolific conductor and keyboard player. to Music with wine writer and broadcaster organisations, including the BBC Philharmonic, Oz Clarke, as well as touring their flagship The Sixteen, Tafelmusik, Florilegium, Armonico Specialising in the performance of music programmes and seeking out new relationships. Consort, and the Buxton Festival. from the Baroque and late Renaissance, On the horizon are concerts in Europe, and Christopher is equally at home with major exciting plans for future collaborations with Gillian’s recordings include Handel’s Gloria and modern choral repertoire, and during his the University of , the Royal Albert and Bach Cantatas with , career he has conducted at many of the Hall and the BBC. Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s C Minor Mass greatest concert halls in the UK, including with Harry Christophers, and Handel’s German the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican, Wigmore GILLIAN KEITH Arias with Florilegium. She has recorded the Hall and Cadogan Hall in London, the Symphony role of Zerbinetta in with Hall in , and the RSC in A past winner of both the prestigious Kathleen the Scottish Chamber under Sir Stratford-upon-Avon. Ferrier Award and the ROSL Singing Prize, Richard Armstrong, as well as orchestral songs and a distinguished graduate of the Royal © Clare Park by Dallapiccola, Nielsen’s 3rd Symphony, and Christopher performs regularly at major Academy of Music, soprano Gillian Keith Philine in Thomas’ Mignon, and Ginevra in Casella’s Le convent sur l’eau with Gianandrea national festivals and has worked extensively made her ‚ Covent Garden Handel’s Ariodante, in international opera houses Noseda and the BBC Philharmonic, all for abroad, including in Israel, Italy, Ireland and debut as Zerbinetta in Strauss’ Ariadne auf and festivals including , Chandos. Her recital discs include Schubert France. Alongside his work with Armonico Naxos and has gone on to repeat the role with Scottish Opera, Netherlands Opera, Geneva Lieder on Marquis, Gillian Keith – bei Strauss Consort, he has conducted internationally great success at Ópera de Oviedo and Welsh Opera and Boston Early Music Festival. for Champs Hill Records, and two volumes of renowned orchestras and ensembles such National Opera. Her most celebrated roles Debussy songs for Deux-Elles. as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the include Poppea in Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione Her concert repertoire is wide and varied, and Philharmonia and the European Union di Poppea, The Woodbird in Wagner’s Siegfried, has taken her to some of the most prestigious www.gilliankeithsoprano.com Chamber Orchestra. Pretty Polly in Birtwistle’s Punch and Judy, stages around the world, including the BBC

- 16 - - 17 - passion and a talent for choral . This recording was funded through a Kickstarter the following backers whose particular generosity Although he admits to be cautious of online funding campaign, and we are grateful to helped to make this project possible: much contemporary music, Christopher has commissioned many new works, including the John Boyden ambitious Prodigal Son by Girling, premiered Gill and Steve Drew with Dame Evelyn Glennie, and Beowulf, an Sir John Egan epic drama by Toby Young which will be Hugh Glennie premiered during Armonico Consort’s 2017 season. Malcolm Harbour David and Sally Howells John Jeffery Christopher’s latest recordings, including his Anthony and Patricia Keith rendition of Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas, have Jeff and Kathy Martin earned him several five star reviews in The Roger Medwell Times, The Independent and The Guardian. David Phillips Anthony Pinching A passionate advocate of reaching out to Tom Randle children of all backgrounds through the creation Anne Redford of youth choirs, Christopher has founded and Chris Tupker developed AC Academy, a music education © Simon J Price programme which offers life-changing experiences A chorister at the age of eight, through that and first-class performance opportunities. Recorded in St Michael’s Church, South Grove, London, P 2017 The copyright in this sound recording is owned by Signum Records Ltd world Christopher was introduced to the music from 19th to 20th April 2016. © 2017 The copyright in this CD booklet, notes and design is owned by Signum Records Ltd of Byrd, Tallis, Bach, Monteverdi and Handel, of When not conducting, Christopher loves Producer & Editor – Tim Oldham which today he is a highly acclaimed champion. fine cooking and after a long day of music Recording Engineer – Mike Hatch Any unauthorised broadcasting, public performance, copying or re-recording of Signum Compact Recording Assistant – Robin Hawkins Discs constitutes an infringement of copyright and will render the infringer liable to an action by law. preparation, he often enjoys going for a cycle. Licences for public performances or broadcasting may be obtained from Phonographic Performance Pitch A=415 Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, After graduating from Cambridge University, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or Cover Image – Shutterstock otherwise, without prior permission from Signum Records Ltd. where he was organ scholar at Gonville Design and Artwork – Woven Design and Caius College, Christopher went on as an www.wovendesign.co.uk SignumClassics, Signum Records Ltd., Suite 14, 21 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, Middx UB6 7JD, UK. +44 (0) 20 8997 4000 E-mail: [email protected] organist under David Hill at Winchester Cathedral. www.signumrecords.com Through David’s inspiration, he developed a

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SIGNUM CLASSICS SIGCD488

BACH: MONKS THE COMPLETE SOLO SOPRANO CANTATAS, VOL. 1 VOL. CANTATAS, SOPRANO SOLO COMPLETE THE

J.S. BACH THE COMPLETE SOLO SOPRANO CANTATAS, VOL. 1 KEITH/ARMONICO CONSORT/

1 - 5 Ich habe genug, BWV 82a [20.14] 6 - r Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten, BWV 202 [19.33] t - f O holder Tag, erwünschte Zeit, BWV 210 [31.31]

Total timings: [71.23]

KEITH/ARMONICO CONSORT/ KEITH/ARMONICO

THE COMPLETE SOLO SOPRANO CANTATAS, VOL. 1 GILLIAN KEITH SOPRANO ARMONICO CONSORT MONKS

BACH: CHRISTOPHER MONKS DIRECTOR

LC15723

Signum Records Ltd, Suite 14, 21 Wadsworth SIGCD488 CLASSICS Road, Perivale, Middx UB6 7JD, United Kingdom. P 2017 Signum Records DDD SIGCD488 © 2017 Signum Records www.signumrecords.com 24 bit digital recording 6 35212 04882 5 SIGNUM