J. S. BACH : Morimur (The Hilliard Ensemble, Christoph Poppen) (2001) APE (image+.cue), lossless

It was quite popular, in the Baroque era, to use numbers and equations for riddles and the hiding of messages; and the study of J.S. Bach's work has revealed that he used numbers symbolic of notes in the major and minor scales formulated into equations and then composed his works around these equations. It was with one such series of equations that researchers found that inside of J.S. Bach's music there was a large number of other compositions almost fractally entwined. Of particular interest was J.S. Bach's "Six Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin" which had been designed with a sort-of numeric equation that turned out to actually have the music fractally built around a very small part. Intrigued by researcher's findings Christoph Poppen discussed with ECM Records head and producer Manfred Eicher the possibility of a recording that would make the "hidden chorales" as the smaller, fractal pieces were later termed, more audible. A collaboration with the excellently gifted interpreters of early music, the Hilliard Ensemble was proposed and with Christoph Poppen directing they set about liberating the numeric/ melodic equations from the fabric of J.S. Bach's "Partita No. 2". With Morimur for the first time we hear the music the way that J.S. Bach might have heard it when he was composing his "Partita No. 2 as they are linked with various chorales that also used the numeric equation that is found in "Partita No. 2". Beyond the fascinating story behind Morimur it's an excellently well crafted, and well-produced recording that truly brings the piece to life. If you're a fan of J.S. Bach it is recommended that you give this recording a listen as it is fantastic and excellently read with the Hilliard Ensemble in top form. A must have for your collection! Matt Borghi 
Tracklist :
       Cantata No. 136, "Erforsche mich, Gott, und erfahre mein Herz," BWV 136 (BC A111)    
1     Chorale for 4 voices "Auf meinen lieben Gott"    2:04
       Christ lag in Todes Banden (II), chorale setting for 4 voices, BWV 278 (BC F26.2)    
2     Den Tod..., single voice excerpt    0:26
       Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004    
3     Allemanda    4:11
4     Christ lag in Todes Banden (I), chorale setting for 4 voices, BWV 277 (BC F26.1)    1:29
      Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004    
5     Corrente    2:48
6     Christ lag in Todes Banden (II), chorale setting for 4 voices, BWV 278 (BC F26.2)    1:31
    Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004    
7     Sarabanda    4:00
    Cantata No. 89, "Was soll ich aus dir machen, Ephraim?" BWV 89 (BC A155)    
8     Chorale for 4 voices Text: "Wo soll ich fliehen hin"    0:51
    Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004    
9     Giga    4:19
    Christ lag in Todes Banden (II), chorale setting for 4 voices, BWV 278 (BC F26.2)    
10     Den Tod..., single voice excerpt    0:29
    Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004     11     Ciaccona    14:22
12     Christ lag in Todes Banden (I), chorale setting for 4 voices, BWV 277 (BC F26.1)    2:17
    St. John Passion (Johannespassion), BWV 245 (BC D2)    
13     Chorale for 4 voices "Dein Will gescheh'"    0:54
14     Befiehl du deine Wege (I), chorale setting for 4 voices, BWV 270 (BC 92.1)    1:24
15     Jesu, meine Freude, chorale setting for 4 voices, BWV 358 (BC F116)    1:06
    Cantata No. 188, "Ich habe meine Zuversicht," BWV 188 (BC A154)    
16     Chorale for 4 voices "Auf meinen lieben Gott"    0:48
    Cantata No. 5 "Wo soll ich fliehen hin," BWV 5 (BC A145)    
17     Chorale for 4 voices "Jesu Deine Passion"    1:08
    St. John Passion (Johannespassion), BWV 245 (BC D2)    
18     Chorale for 4 voices "In meines Herzens Grunde"    0:52
19     Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren (I), chorale setting for 4 voices, BWV 389 (BC F153.1)    1:39
    Christ lag in Todes Banden (II), chorale setting for 4 voices, BWV 278 (BC F26.2)    
20     Den Tod..., single voice excerpt    0:26
    Partita for solo violin No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004    
21     Ciaccona, accompanied by chorale fragments    13:59
    Christ lag in Todes Banden (II), chorale setting for 4 voices, BWV 278 (BC F26.2)    
22     Den Tod..., single voice excerpt    0:30