Graupner: Duo Cantatas for Soprano & Alto

Album Description

Experience the enchanting world of Baroque music with Christoph Graupner's "Duo Cantatas for Soprano & Alto," a captivating collection of vocal works that showcase the composer's mastery of the cantata form. Released on September 21, 2018, by the esteemed label Christophorus, this album features a stunning lineup of performances by Miriam Feuersinger and Franz Vitzthum, accompanied by the talented musicians of the Capricornus Consort Basel under the direction of Peter Barczi.

Graupner, a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach, was a prolific composer in his own right, and this album offers a rare opportunity to explore his rich and expressive musical language. The duo cantatas on this album are a delightful blend of vocal and instrumental textures, with each piece showcasing the unique timbres of the soprano and alto voices.

The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 5 minutes, with a diverse range of works that include arias, duets, recitatives, and even a canon. Highlights include the lively "Overture in F Major, GWV 445: V. Le Desire" and the contemplative "Canon in B-Flat Major, GWV 218: I. Grave." Each track is a testament to Graupner's skill in crafting engaging and expressive vocal music.

Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Duo Cantatas for Soprano & Alto" is sure to captivate and inspire. The album's beautiful packaging, complete with a jewel case, makes it a valuable addition to any music collection. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover the timeless beauty of Christoph Graupner's music.

21 september 2018

2018 Christophorus

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.