Mein Geist - Bach Cantatas

Le Banquet Céleste continues its exploration of J.S. Bach's cantatas, still with the aesthetic aim of bringing together singers and instrumentalists in a very “chamber music” vision of music.

Settling in Leipzig in 1723, Bach had to compose cantatas at a frenetic pace for the city's two main churches. This creative effervescence gave rise to masterpieces that have stood the test of time, testifying to the genius of the Kantor and revealing his exceptional mastery of counterpoint and his profound spiritual and human depth. Each of these cantatas highlights two unique instruments: the piccolo cello and the oboe d'amore, which are also featured in the concerto associated with the programme. Bach's motets are reinterpreted here in the form of an instrumental sonata. This transcription (a common practice at the time) transforms the virtuoso vocal lines into an orchestral fresco that restores the poignant expressiveness and contrapuntal richness of this music.

Instrumentalists and singers well versed in this repertoire breathe life into it in a chamber music interpretation faithful to the identity of Le Banquet Céleste. A disc to be released in February 2026 on the Alpha Classics - Outhere Music label.

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Concerto for oboe d'amore in A major BWV 1055R

‘Ein neues lied’, instrumental suite from motets (transcription by Antoine Touche)