The performances are outstanding throughout - Tyson's tour do force of breath-control in the second aria of BWV 35; Harvey's uninhibited gladness, 'Freden', in BWV 69a; time standing still as, over pizzicato lower strings, the violin weaves its obligator line round Stutzmann's first aria of BWV 33; Keith endearingly matching oboes and bassoon in BWV 77. The choir is superbly athletic...

“Once again, Gardiner’s Monteverdi Choir is the jewel in the crown of each cantata performance. Add to that Gardiner’s dramatic, electric response to music he clearly loves and you have a set that rivals his Gramophone Record of the Year Award winning disc that launched this incredible series.

One of Gardiner's strongest volumes to date… The solo singing, especially in BWV35, is warm-hearted and generous. Alongside the brilliantly articulated organ obbligato playing of Ian Watson, alto Robin Tyson provides a supremely courageous and immediate series of telling arias. From Frankfurt, the pick of the crop is the awe-inspiring, almost apocalyptic BWV77.. Gardiner and his forces reach twin heights: here is a magisterial representation of the inscrutable law (of the Commandments) and a profound awareness of Bach's colourful rhetoric sensibility - all infectiously illuminated in the "diary". This is a volume to treasure on many counts.