Reviews

CD-review: Bach motets

30.06.2008

“‘Bach’s Motets are part of me’, says conductor Peter Dijkstra (30). ‘I was about twelve when I first heard Komm, Jesu, komm. I was completely bowled over. I thought it was so beautiful. It was then that I knew I wanted to become a choral conductor when I grew up.” [...]
“With his latest CD of Bach’s Motets he has scored a bull’s-eye. A performance which runs directly counter to the current trend of performing Bach as fast and as slickly as possible. At last a performance in which the listener gets the opportunity to digest both the text and the music. Komm, Jesu, komm: under Dijkstra this cry for help makes a hugely intense and emotionally charged effect. That so much human drama can be contained in just three words.” [...]
“I ask whether Dijkstra has a favourite Motet. He thinks for a brief moment. ‘I find them all wonderful, but I do have a particularly soft spot for Komm, Jesu, komm.’ He relishes the words like a fine wine, and then says: ‘It is a terrific example of Bach’s genius for bringing not only the music but also the words to life.’”