The Cantatas BWV 18 and BWV 23 were intended for the two last Sundays before Lent, the “Sexagesima” and “Estomihi” Sundays. In these performances Kuijken, Sigiswald follows the thesis that the cantatas were written for solo singers, because Bach very often had no choir at his disposal.

“…a profoundly impressive achievement…liberating performances inhabiting a language of elevated perception and intimacy...Rarely can a single-voiced chorus have sounded so warm and integrated...Kuijken, Sigiswald is gently ploughing his own furrow in a mini-series with modest forces and intimate conceits. The performances here of Cantatas BWV1, 18 and 23 are extraordinarily refined, coherent and perceptive. This is Bach stripped bare, but rapt.” GRAMOPHONE

“The sonority of the early BWV 18 is inspired - initially four violas and continuo, with flutes added a decade later. The dark timbre is lightened by authentic high pitch, in a gloriously enveloping SACD acoustic; the opening concerto-like sinfonia is captivating. Soloists are admirable throughout.” BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE