Bach: Christen ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63 | Philippe Herreweghe and the Collegium Vocale Gent

Stunning symmetry: ‘Christen ätzet diesen Tag’ (BWV 63) by Johann Sebastian Bach performed by the Collegium Vocale Gent conducted by Philippe Herreweghe. The concert took place in 2016 in the Saint-Roch church in Paris. Starring: Grace Davidson | SOPRANO Damien Guillon | ALTUS Thomas Hobbs | TENOR Peter Kooij | BASS Collegium Vocale Gent Philippe Herreweghe | CONDUCTOR The cantata ’Christen ätzet diesen Tag’ by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) is framed by two very festive, opulently orchestrated chorale arias. In addition to strings and basso continuo, Bach uses 4 trumpets, 3 oboes, bassoon and timpani. In form, ’Christen ätzet diesen Tag’ is captivating in its strict symmetry. In the center is a secco recitativo (the singer is accompanied only by the basso continuo) in which the reversal of suffering is sung. Before and after the central movement is a da capo aria for two voices each. And the two are each framed by an accompagnato recitativo