Bach: The complete Solo Soprano Cantatas, Vol. 1

Soprano Gillian Keith joins acclaimed Baroque ensemble the Armonico Consort under Christopher Monks for the first release in a three disc series featuring the solo cantatas of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Bach's cantatas hold a special place among performers and devotees of his music. Whether sacred or secular, these works provide incredible variety: some containing elements of narrative similar to the arias and recitatives from his great Passions; many have instrumental movements and solo passages that rival any of his concerti, and are indeed borrowed directly from some of the most famous. Not surprisingly, Bach's cantatas are often incredibly virtuosic, demanding much technical ease and style.

Originally from Toronto, now living in London UK, Gillian Keith has emerged as one of the leading lyric sopranos of the 21st century. Her superb voice and musicianship are at home on the opera stage, concert platform and she was a regular contributor to John Eliot Gardiner's Bach Pilgrimage and Cantatas series. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music, with Barbara Bonney and Ian Partridge, and is a past winner of both the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier Award [2000] and the ROSL Singing Prizes.

This first release features cantatas 82a, 202 (the famous "Wedding Cantata") and 210.