Barnaby Smith’s artistic successes are not limited to being the artistic director of the highly popular vocal consort VOCES8. He is also an accomplished countertenor, having studied with no less a figure than Andreas Scholl and delivered an impressive calling card in the form of his debut solo album Handel.

It might seem natural, therefore, that his next project should be devoted to the music of JS Bach. While both these titans of the baroque produced sublime music for the alto voice, the demonstrative Italianate world of Handel’s operas and oratorios is arguably somewhat removed from the introverted spirituality of Bach’s religious works.

Having been mentored by Scholl, Smith, of course, has no trouble inhabiting this other world. His program traces a liturgical arc from the feast commemorating the presentation of Jesus in the temple through the crucifixion to the resurrection. Throughout, Smith beguiles with an alluring beauty of tone and an enviable evenness throughout his entire range. 

Such admirable qualities are immediately on display in Cantata 82, Ich habe genug, which...