Of the two wedding cantatas, Weichet nur,betrübte Schatten (No 202) ranks among Bach's best-loved, but the other, O holder Tag, erwünschteZeit (No 210), is much less heard. To these, Christine Schäfer adds another Bach favourite, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen! (No 51) which, although not specifically for a wedding, confirms propriety in a nuptial context.
The partnership of Schäfer and Reinhard Goebel with his Musica Antiqua Köln is an interesting one, and rewarding more often than not. Schäfer is a spirited singer with a bright tone and an agile technique. Her clearly articulated phrases accord well with Goebel's well-defined instrumental contours and colourfully characterised rhythms – the fourth aria of No 210, in the rhythm of a polonaise, is admirably enlivened in these respects – and her well-controlled vibrato is a pleasure throughout.
If Emma Kirkby's performance of this piece and No 202 is more understated than the present one there's still an underlying expressive subtlety and a warmth of vocal timbre in her singing which may prove the more rewarding and enduring. The opening aria of No 202, a sublime piece of musical imagery, points up some of the essential differences between the two approaches: Schäfer declamatory, demonstrative and bright toned, with an edge to the voice, Kirkby, warm toned, alluring and exercising superb control throughout. On the other hand Schäfer's even technique, with its easier access to the highest notes of the range, often has the edge over Kirkby in more virtuoso movements. And in No 210 Schäfer's vocal brilliance and unfailing security, together with Goebel's lively if on occasion provocative gestures, make one of the most alert and interesting performances of the piece. Schäfer also rises brilliantly to the occasion in No 51. A stimulating and often satisfying release.