Gott der Herr ist Sonne und Schild

Album Description

Album Description:

Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Baroque music with Christoph Graupner's "Gott der Herr ist Sonne und Schild," a captivating collection of cantatas that showcase the composer's mastery and depth. Released in 2018, this album features 35 live performances that span over an hour and a half, offering a rich and immersive experience for classical music enthusiasts.

Christoph Graupner, a contemporary of Handel and Rameau, was a prolific German composer and cembalist whose works have been celebrated for their intricate compositions and profound spiritual themes. This album, recorded live, captures the essence of Graupner's cantatas, which are known for their expressive vocal lines and harmonious orchestrations.

The album opens with the title track, "Gott, der Herr, ist Sonne und Schild," a powerful cantata that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. Other notable works include "Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan," a series of cantatas that explore themes of faith and divine providence, and "Erwacht, ihr Heyden," a stirring call to awakening and spiritual renewal.

Performed by a talented ensemble of vocalists and instrumentalists, including soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices, as well as strings and continuo, the album brings to life the rich textures and dynamic range of Graupner's compositions. The live recordings add an extra layer of authenticity, capturing the energy and immediacy of the performances.

Whether you are a seasoned classical music connoisseur or a newcomer to the genre, "Gott der Herr ist Sonne und Schild" offers a compelling introduction to the works of Christoph Graupner. With its blend of spiritual depth, musical virtuosity, and live performance energy, this album is a testament to the enduring power of Baroque music.

23 mrt 2018

2017 CPO

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.