Glaubenslieder: Neue Kantaten zum Kirchenjahr

"Glaubenslieder: Neue Kantaten zum Kirchenjahr" by the Mädchenchor Hannover is a stunning collection of contemporary cantatas composed for the liturgical year, offering a fresh perspective on a traditional musical form. Released in 2009 under the Rondeau Production label, this choral album spans an impressive 2 hours and 4 minutes, featuring 48 tracks that span the liturgical calendar.

The album is the result of a unique project based in Hannover, where 15 contemporary composers were commissioned to create new cantatas for the Sundays and feast days of the church year. The compositions are designed to be accessible and performable by local ensembles, including amateur singers, ensuring their integration into community worship and musical life.

Recorded between March and October 2009 in the historic Marktkirche and Pauluskirche in Hannover, Germany, the album showcases the exceptional vocal talents of the Mädchenchor Hannover, conducted by Gudrun Schröfel. The performances are accompanied by various ensembles, including the Camerata Vocale Hannover, Knabenchor Hannover, and Norddeutscher Figuralchor, among others, providing a rich and varied sonic landscape.

The cantatas on this album draw inspiration from the rich tradition of German Baroque composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, Dietrich Buxtehude, and Georg Philipp Telemann, while offering a distinctly modern interpretation. The works explore a range of themes and texts, from joyful celebrations to solemn reflections, all united by a shared commitment to the power of music to convey theological meaning.

"Glaubenslieder: Neue Kantaten zum Kirchenjahr" was recognized with the prestigious Echo Klassik award in 2010, cementing its place as a significant contribution to the world of contemporary choral music. Whether you're a fan of classical choral works or simply appreciate the beauty of the human voice, this album offers a captivating exploration of faith, music, and the enduring power of tradition.