Bach for Japan (CD)

On 11th March 2011 the earthquake off the Pacific coast of Japan and ensuing tsunami devastated the Tohoku region, causing great suffering and changing the lives of people not only in the affected areas but throughout the nation. This compilation, Bach for Japan, has been produced at the initiative of the Bach Collegium Japan and Masaaki Suzuki as part of their ongoing activities to support the victims of the disaster. As Masaaki Suzuki writes in his own introduction to the disc, it has been compiled ‘in commemoration of the large number of people who lost their lives, and in the hope that the music will offer consolation to those who have suffered bereavement, help to heal their hurt, and give them the strength to rebuild the country for the next generation.’ The selection comprises arias from BCJ’s ongoing cycle of the complete church cantatas, as well as instrumental movements and the motet Komm, Jesu, komm. Also included are three organ chorales, recorded by Masaaki Suzuki especially for this release. The disc is being sold for the benefit of ‘TOHOKU HELP’, a local relief effort organized by the Sendai Christian Alliance, with the performers donating their royalties and BIS Records contributing the same amount.