Capella Angelica and Lautten Compagney present us with a recording of one of Buxtehude’s most extraordinary compositions—the cantata cycle Membra Jesu nostri (BuxWV75), framed by two ciaccone: Jesu, meines Lebens Leben (BuxWV 62) and Herr, wenn ich nur dich hab (BuxWV 38). 

Based on a mystical medieval text, Rhytmica Oratorio, Membra Jesu is a seven-part Passion meditation; each section, structured as a musically independent cantata, addresses a part of Christ’s body wounded by the Crucifixion. Capella Angelica gives us all that can be expected from a first-rate vocal ensemble: excellent intonation, imaginative phrasing, a strong sense of momentum, and effective moments of silence.

The clarity of the polyphonic texture in Ecce super montes, offset by the tasteful blend of voices in the homophonic sections, sets a very high standard of singing that the group maintains throughout the recording. The sheer beauty of Quid sunt plagae instae shows how good the ensemble really is. The supporting Lautten Compagney includes a violin and a rich continuo section—viola di gamba, violone in G, violone in D, organ, theorbo, and archlute.

The instrumental sonatas, especially those found in cantatas Ad genua and Ad cor, display an indisputably high level of musicianship.  However, the continuo texture that the group creates throughout the recording is rather conservative and the musicians do not take advantage of the great variety of tonal color that could give the recording an even larger appeal. Overall, this is a very good CD filled with lovely moments of inspired music making. ŽAK OZMO