Just the other day, I posted a review of Suzuki's Volume 13 in his series of Bach cantatas on BIS; that disc consisted of infrequently recorded cantatas and was a pleasure to listen to and review. Philippe Herreweghe, on Harmonia Mundi 901690, also recently recorded three infrequently played cantatas: BWV 29, 119, and 120. The disc has a program in that each of the three was specifically composed to usher in the annual installation of municipal officers in Leipzig. Not bad - imagine yourself being sworn into municipal office with a brand new Bach cantata. These days, you would be lucky to have a Britney Spears tune in the air. How far have we fallen? Don't answer that one. Actually, this Herreweghe disc is a few months old, but I didn't get into close listening until last night. It's a beauty of a recording. The music, as you might expect, is festive, uplifting, and wonderful. The vocal soloists are very good or better; soprano Deborah York is heavenly, alto Ingeborg Danz is impressive and sensual, tenor Mark Padmore never sounded better, and bass Peter Kooy is his usual excellent self. As for Herreweghe and his orchestra/chorus, they are in top form. I did make a quick comparison of Herreweghe's BWV 119 with the one from Koopman in his Volume 10 Bach series on Erato. Both are excellent, with the major difference being that Koopman is more solemn; that comes as no surprise. Don's Conclusion: Buy the Herreweghe recording. It's essential for Bach lovers not allergic to period instruments and is sure to improve your disposition (unless you're always happy). Don Satz [log in to unmask]