ENTERTAINMENT

Bach

A-Cantatas, Vol. 25. English Baroque Soloists, Gardiner (Soli Deo Gloria)

ENDLESS VARIETY: Most of us will never explore Bach's 200-odd cantatas so thoroughly that there won't be any surprises left – and surprises there are in plenty. The six examples here have different layouts, feature different solo instruments and have a moment or two you could never have predicted if you know only the B Minor Mass and the two Passions. (Nos. 97 and 44 are especially winning.)

TREASURES FROM THE TREK: When his major label balked at releasing the entire record of John Eliot Gardiner's world pilgrimage to perform all the cantatas during the Bach year 2000, the British conductor created his own. Chorus and orchestra have that glowing sound he has cultivated so carefully. The soloists are more famous (and more satisfying) on the second CD, but no one could complain about any of these fine performances.

BOTTOM LINE: Climb aboard for a delightful voyage.

Lawson Taitte