For the second time on the Phi label, Philippe Herreweghe presents four Bach cantatas written during the first year the composer spent in Leipzig.

The Collegium Vocale Gent, under the direction of Philippe Herreweghe and in the company of top-notch soloists (Dorothee Mields, Damien Guillon, Thomas Hobbs and Peter Kooij), show us in dazzling fashion to what point the composer endeavoured to create veritable musical sermons going far beyond a simple musical setting of the text.

By way of a bonus, the album contains a magical little piece, Komm, Jesu, komm by Johann Schelle, one of Bach's predecessors in Leipzig.

Reviews for the first volume of the Bach Leipzeig Cantatas:
“The virtues of Philippe Herreweghe’s interpretations are lean textures, clarity and superb, light-fingered instrumental dexterity. The drawbacks are a tendency towards ponderous, dogmatic, slightly stabby phrasing from the choir. However, Hana Blazikova supplies ravishing soprano solos, and the supple-voiced British tenor Thomas Hobbs also impresses.” - The Times, 1st December 2012 ***

“Quite simply a 'must-have' for Bach lovers.” - Gramophone Magazine Editor’s Choice, February 2013