Almost all Bach’s motets – including Ich lasse dich nicht – were occasional compositions for funeral ceremonies, although we only really know the occasion for which one of the motets was written: Der Geist hilft unser Schwachheit auf.

In the case of the other motets, we can only conjecture the occasions for which Bach composed them. Indeed we cannot even date most of them since, apart from Der Geist hilft, only Bach’s original manuscript for Singet dem Herrn has survived.

Frieder Bernius founded the Stuttgart Chamber Choir whilst still a student, and with this group has forged a refined sound which is both internationally recognized and influential, particularly in the area of romantic choral music. His previous recordings for Carus have received wonderful reviews from the critics, including Gramophone Editor’s Choices, BBC Music Magazine Choral Choice of the Month and a Disc of the Week on BBC Radio 3’s CD Review.