Bach: The Motets

Bach’s motets exercise a very special magic over their performers. There’s no denying their power—the directness of the texts, often written for funerals, is matched by music of heart-stopping beauty and intensity. Grete Pedersen directs with a lovely intimacy, some motets supported by chamber organ, others by a small instrumental group. “Jesu, meine Freude”—the longest, with 11 movements stretching over 20 minutes—forms an impressive heart to this rewarding programme.