Dialogue Cantatas

photos: private and Clemens Manser

At the 2026 Bachfest you will be performing three dialogue cantatas by Bach together. What is the particular charm of these cantatas?
Bach wrote these three cantatas specifically for our two registers – soprano and bass. It’s a rare opportunity for us to work together and enjoy Bach’s fantastic music with dear friends and colleagues.

Do you feel these cantatas are a dialogue of equals between the woman’s and the man’s voice?
Exactly. There’s a wonderful balance between the woman and the man, and every cantata portrays different aspects of the two sexes. They focus on love, yearning and consolation. Although one has to say that the »roles« of the man and the woman are sometimes rather restricted to »the knowing one« and »the one seeking to know«. In our times and in our life, these roles alternate between the sexes.

The climax of the three dialogue cantatas are the duets. Officially, Jesus and the »faithful soul«, are singing, but it could also be a pair of lovers. What is your reading of these pieces?
All three duets are exquisitely composed, but very different. And somehow, the combination of these pieces creates some wonderful dramatization that follows the different life phases of a couple. Firstly (BWV 32) there is yearning, the longing for the beloved (or in this case, for Jesus). Secondly (BWV 49), the wedding takes place, a celebration of love and life. Then finally (BWV 57), you hear the darker side of love, the uncertainty and the fear of being abandoned – a very human aspect, which Bach expressed wonderfully.

You are also a couple in your private life. Does that come out in your performance of dialogue cantatas?
As we’re both very active parents and musicians, we very much enjoy the precious moment when we’re both standing on the stage and exchanging with one another through this wonderful music and poetry. It adds a deep, intimate level to our life together. Music is one of our favourite languages, which we usually exercise separately while taking turns to look after our two sweet little boys between jobs. But here we’re going to try to find a balance between our different personalities and traits and the love and passion we share – all in the service of the unique Bach.