Kuhnau, Johann: Drei Motetten

Johann Kuhnau’s extant vocal works will be fully complete in the Breitkopf & Härtel catalogue in coming years. These are cantatas as a rule, but at least works with instrumental accompaniment. The Three Motets in this volume are therefore unique, including in addition to the well known Tristis est anima mea, also the two other extant Kuhnau motets Ach Gott, wie lässt du mich verstarren, as well as Gott hat uns nicht gesetzt zum Zorn. Each one, of five parts (with the tenor or canto part doubled), these masterpieces round out the picture of Johann Kuhnau, Johann Sebastian Bach’s predecessor as St. Thomas cantor.