Der Herr ist auferstanden: Arias & Duets for Eastertide

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the resplendent world of Baroque music with Christoph Graupner's "Der Herr ist auferstanden: Arias & Duets for Eastertide." This captivating album, released on March 18, 2022, by Accent, showcases the brilliance of one of Germany's most esteemed composers, featuring a stunning collection of arias and duets tailored for the Easter season.

With a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a testament to Graupner's mastery, presenting 27 tracks that radiate confidence and hope, characteristic of his forward-looking galant style. The album is performed by the talented countertenor Franz Vitzthum and tenor Georg Poplutz, accompanied by the Main-Barockorchester Frankfurt, ensuring an authentic and rich listening experience.

The album opens with the joyous cantata "Frohlocke werte Christenheit" (GWV 1128/28), setting the tone for the celebratory spirit of Easter. It includes excerpts from various cantatas, each piece meticulously selected to highlight the beauty and depth of Graupner's compositions. The instrumental selections, such as the "Ouverture in C Minor" (GWV 413) and the "Concerto for 2 Violins in G Minor" (GWV 335), complement the vocal program, adding layers of richness and complexity.

Graupner's work, often overshadowed by contemporaries like Bach and Telemann, deserves a spotlight, and this album does just that. It offers a rare opportunity to delve into the lesser-known but equally magnificent repertoire of this Baroque master. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "Der Herr ist auferstanden: Arias & Duets for Eastertide" promises a delightful and enriching experience.

18 maart 2022

2022 Accent

About Christoph Graupner

Christoph Graupner, born in 1683, was a prolific German composer and harpsichordist of the late Baroque era, standing shoulder to shoulder with contemporaries like Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Philipp Telemann. Graupner's musical journey is marked by his impressive tenure as Kapellmeister at the court of Darmstadt, a position he held from 1711 until his death in 1760. His extensive body of work includes a staggering 1,442 cantatas, many of which are yet to be fully explored and appreciated. Despite his prolific output, Graupner remains one of the more overlooked figures of the Baroque period. His compositions, ranging from overture-suites to concertos and cantatas, showcase his mastery of the Baroque style and his ability to create deeply engaging and emotionally resonant music. Graupner's near-miss appointment as the cantor of St. Thomas' Church in Leipzig, a position that ultimately went to Bach, adds a layer of intrigue to his story, hinting at the competitive and dynamic musical landscape of the time.