Windsbacher Knabenchor - Johann Sebastian Bach: Magnificat in D-Dur (BWV 243) / Motetten BWV 225, BWV 227, BWV 229 (1999)

Called the finest children's choir in Middle Franconia, the Windsbacher Knabenchor under longtime music director Karl-Friedrich Beringer proves itself fit to stand with the better national and even international children's choirs on this 1999 Rondeau disc. Coupling three motets by Bach -- Singt dem Herrn ein neues Lied; Komm, Jesu, komm; and Jesu, meine Freude -- plus his Magnificat in D major is a brilliant way to show off the choir's skills. The Singt dem Herrn is wonderfully joyful; the Komm, Jesu is deeply devotional; and the Jesu, meine Freude is stoically mournful, while the Magnificat is truly magnificent. It's true that now and again the tone may waver in long lines, and it's likewise true that the soloists in the Magnificat are not all first-rate, but it's also true that the conductor-less Prager Kammerorchester provides accompaniment with power, grace, and ease and that the sound of the live recording is rich, lush, and detailed. If you are a listener looking for a well-sung and heartfelt recording of Bach's sacred choral music beyond the cantatas, passions, and masses, this disc will have served its purpose. And if you're an impresario looking for a skillful and soulful children's choir to fill out a season, this disc will have served its other purpose.