Myths Contested
Acis, 2023
8/10
This first widespread recording from the Washington Bach Consort in 10+ years recruits plenty of vocalists for the classic J.S. Bach pieces, plus a new track from Trevor Weston.
“Geschwindet, ihr wirbelnden Winde” begins the listen with swift winds and much harmony, as the strings dance alongside the choir, and ““Und du bist doch” follows with Paul Max Tipton’s soaring bass baritone being especially expressive in the conversational climate.
Further into this portion, ““Zu Tanze, zu Sprunge” showcases Ian Pomerantz’s deep pipes amid the light string interaction, while the intimate “Phoebus, deine Melodei” benefits much from Jacob Perry Jr’s radiant tenor vocals that are complemented by a dreamy backdrop.
Moving into Weston’s “A New Song”, we’re treated to Sherezade Panthaki’s gorgeous singing and Sarah Davis Isaelkhoury’s smooth delivery that weave in and out of the cautious, meticulous songwriting that populates the 8 chapters.
A body of work that explores aesthetic value, culture and representation, the Bach portion certainly holds its own against the original, and Weston’s piece is superbly delivered and mesmerizing.
Travels well with: The Lord’s My Shepherd; Renée Anne Louprette- Bach: Clavier-Ubung III