Dietrich Buxtehude, Rosso Porpora, Walter Testolin - Membra Jesu Nostri
STYLE: Classical RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 159763- LABEL: Stradivarius STR37004 FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Steven Whitehead
We gave a nine-square welcome to the 2015 re-issue of the 2006 recording of Dietrich Buxtehude's 'Membra Jesus Nostri' on the budget Music D'Abord label and while we are happy to applaud this new release by the Italian chamber ensemble Rosso Porpora under Walter Testolin it has to be said that there are other versions available, some - such as the afore-mentioned Cantus Colln version - representing much better value for money. 'Membra Jesu Nostri' is a cycle of seven cantatas for five voices and chamber orchestra, based on mystical devotional Latin poems by Bernard of Clairvaux. Each cantata pays devotion to a "member" of the crucified Messiah's body: feet, knees, hands, side, breast, heart and face. The concept of the cycle reminds us somewhat of Joseph Haydn's sublime 'Seven Last Words', written a hundred years later although musically perhaps a better comparison would be with Monteverdi's Vespers. All three works are sustained expressions of awe and reverence, and listeners who like to use this style of music as an aid to worship will appreciate Buxtehude's composition. To review this merely as a piece of music is, of course, to miss the point but we are happy to say that Rosso Porpora play and sing very well and those who have yet to meet Buxtehude will find this an interesting starting point. Bach looked up to him and once got into trouble for taking unauthorized leave to travel to hear Buxtehude play the organ so those who appreciate Bach will no doubt enjoy Buxtehude.
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