Janet Baker sings "Vergnügte Ruh"

A few weeks ago, I wrote of recordings of the aria Vergnügte Ruh, by J.S. Bach, part of Cantata 170. I reported on most of recordings I had access to at that time. Just a couple of days ago, I received the recording by Janet Baker with Neville Marriner and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Janet Baker brings out all the nuances of this aria beautifully, and with that conviction that seems a hallmark of her style (and that of her legendary predecessor, Kathleen Ferrier). Sir Neville and the Academy do a wonderful job with the accompaniment, which though not in authentic style, still serves this aria well. In particular, there seems a double-bass playing along, so that the accompaniment seems more orchestral than chamber-style. Still, even if Bach might have flinched to hear such a performance, the heavier bass does emphasize the beauty of the bass line. Ms Baker's light voice stands up surprisingly well to the assertive bass line. I am amazed at how Janet Baker gives so satisfactory an account of anything she sings.



Archimedes