Buxtehude: Membra Jesu Nostri

Dietrich Buxtehude (1637 - 1707), Danish organist and composer of church, chamber and organ music, was possibly the most influential composer of his time. Membra Jesu nostri, a title that defies elegant translation, is a cycle of seven cantatas, each a meditation on Christ on the Cross, his feet, knees, hands, side, breast, heart and face. The instrumental ensemble offer most subtle and colourful playing with lovingly sung interpretations from the soloists, including the renowned counter-tenor, Andreas Scholl, being impeccably clear and well balanced. The splendid direction from the talented René Jacobs gives impressive attention to detail which makes the performance so moving, suitably reverent and compelling. Buxtehude’s sacred music is at last starting to get the exposure that it rightly deserves.