The tracks on this CD provide a fascinating collection of some of JS Bach's most beautiful works for alto. Two (Buss' und Reu and Erbarme Dich) are drawn from the St Matthew Passion; two others (Wo zwei und drei versammlet sind and Zum reinen Wasser) appear in Eastertide cantatas; and the Agnus Dei is from the B minor mass.
Bach favoured the alto voice and reserved it for some of the most life-changing music he wrote. One theory is that his second wife Anna Magdalena was an alto and that he wrote this music with her voice in mind. Most recordings of Bach Alto arias are by males, therefore it is very interesting to hear this performance by Catherine King, as the female alto voice may be the inspiration for JS Bach's composition.