J.S. Bach & Handel: Sacred Arias
Aafje Heynis (contralto), Pierre Polla (organ)
Amsterdam Chamber Orchestra, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Hans Gillesberger, Marinus Voorberg
The Dutch contralto Aafje Heynis had a dark, rich, altogether unique voice, and the story of her discovery in a Holland recovering from the ravages of World War II, told in the booklet notes, is heart-warming indeed… as is this collection put together from several of her recordings.
1 STOLZEL: Bist Du Bei Mir
2 BACH: FROM CANTATA BWV 108: Was Mein Herz Von Dir Begehrt
3 BACH: FROM ST. MATTHEW PASSION, PART II: Erbarme Dich’
4 BACH: CHRISTMAS ORATORIO, BWV 248: Bereite Dich Zion
5 BACH: ST. JOHN PASSION, PART II: Es Ist Vollbracht’
6 GOUNOD: Ave Maria
7 BACH: CHRISTMAS ORATORIO, BWV 248, PART II: Schlafe Mein Liebster
8 HANDEL: Arioso Dank Sei Dir
9 HANDEL (FROM JUDAS MACCABEUS): Father of Heaven’
10 HANDEL: (FROM SAMSON): Return Oh God of Hosts
11 HANDEL: DIXIT DOMINUS – Virgam Virtutis Tuae
12 HANDEL (FROM MESSIAH): Oh Thou That Tellest
13 HANDEL (FROM MESSIAH): He Was Despised