BUXTEHUDE: Cantatas - Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra (2 CDs)

By 1683 Buxtehude-who had a huge influence on the young Johann Sebastian Bach-had established an annual concert series which was held over five Sundays late in Trinity and Advent. These Abendmusik concerts, which were given following the afternoon vespers services, offered a leisurely succession of 'pleasant vocal and instrumental music.' the twelve works heard here offer a colorful overview of Buxtehude's wide-ranging approach to scoring, structure and style in which the full measure of Ton Koopman's and his Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra's talents lead to a unique achievement.