It was with interest I noticed that Natalie Dessay had made this recording of Bach cantatas. It is demanding music, which probably does not lie within her normal repertoire. I'm a big fan of Natalie Dessay's, whom I recently saw doing " La Sonnambula" at The Met. That was quite an amazing experience, both her singing and her stage presence. Natalie Dessay sings these difficult Bach arias like her bel canto arias, and this is not necessarily a good way to do it. In my opinion, she lacks the precision and clarity needed, and her pronunciation of the German language leaves much to be desired. I find Emanuelle Haïm's orchestral treatment somewhat dry and lacking in energy, and the sound balance of the recording seems slightly discordant. The overall impression is not convincing, and several times while I was listening I found myself thinking of other things. Natalie Dessay produces a beautiful sound, and on stage she is a compelling artist, but I can not give this recording more than two stars. For the optimal recording of Bach's cantata BWV 51 I recommend Richter's with Edith Mathis.