Graupner: Antiochus und Stratonica

Album Description

Christoph Graupner's sublime Baroque opera, Antiochus und Stratonica, is a true masterpiece of the era. Composed during his time as harpsichordist at the Gänsemarkt Opera in Hamburg, this spectacular work tells the tale of the Seleucid prince Antiochus and his ill-fated love for his stepmother Stratonica. With a rich and nuanced tonal landscape, Graupner's opulent orchestral ensemble features an impressive array of instruments, including three recorders and four oboes, alongside a large continuo apparatus and strings.

This magnificent opera, performed by the acclaimed Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra, is a rare gem, with only two of Graupner's five operas composed for Hamburg's Gänsemarkt opera surviving to this day. Fortunately, Paul O'Dette and Stephen Stubbs were able to bring this work to life in concerts at Oldenburg and Bremen, and it is now available to be savoured on this exquisite 3-CD set.

Featuring a stellar cast of soloists, including Hana Blaziková and Christian Immler, Antiochus und Stratonica is a must-listen for fans of Baroque opera. With its intricate harmonies, soaring melodies, and dramatic intensity, this album is a testament to Graupner's skill as a composer and his ability to craft a truly unforgettable musical experience. Released in 2021, this album is a significant addition to the discography of Christoph Graupner, and its 122 tracks provide a comprehensive and immersive exploration of this captivating opera.

24 sep 2021

(P) 2021 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.