Could this be Andreas Scholl's finest hour (and a bit)?

'Kantate'

Includes music by Albertini, JC Bach, he? Buxtehude, Erlebach, Rovetta, Schütz and Tunder Andreas Scholl counterten Concerto delle Viole; Basle Consort (Pablo Valetti,

Stephanie Pfister vns Karl Ernst Schröder ftc) 0 (' Harmonia Mundi Gold HMG50 1651 (72' • DDD) From HMC90 1651 (12/98)

This survey of German Baroque cantatas by the likes of Buxtehude, Tunder, Schfltz and JC Bach fully deserves its reissue in Harmonia Mundi's Gold series. There are similar anthologies by countertenors (Gerard Lesne, Daniel Taylor, Michael Chance and Robin Blaze, to name just a few) which all offer something special, but

I would not be surprised if future generations look back upon this recital as Scholl's finest hour (plus another 12 minutes). That is not to say that his best years might not still be ahead, but the union of youthful timbre, sublime instrumental playing and explorative repertoire achieves a rare kind of perfection here. Scholl's singing is remarkably pure and effortless, and possesses palpable eloquence and empathy for the texts. JC Bach's Ach, class ich Wassers g'nug hdtte is notable for the beautifully shaded viols, and also for Scholl's breathtaking ability to move from lyrical passion to immaculately controlled pianissimo singing. This is essential for lovers of Baroque vocal music. David Vickers