The Hilliard Ensemble JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH Motetten

With just one singer assigned to each part, the Hilliard Ensemble take a minimalist approach to these extraordinary works. Seven of Bach's motets are included - all but one (the four-part Lobet Den Herrn, for which the continuo is supplied by an organ) are given unaccompanied, and the instrumental parts that survive for the double-choir Der Geist Hilft Unser Schwachheit Auf are omitted. The results may seem small-scale, especially to those who regard these works as the summit of the polyphonic choral repertory and favour a monumental approach. There are certainly moments when a greater weight of choral sound might set the contrasts between the different section of each motet, the antiphonal choruses, chorales and arias, into sharper relief. But every member of this remarkable group knows exactly how they fit into the musical scheme - it is likely, too, that the performances of Bach's own time were on this scale. So this disc is a natural successor to the Hilliard's previous excursions into pre-baroque music, supremely musical and overflowing with food for thought. (Andrew Clements / The Guardian)