Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Johann Simon Mayr's oratorio "David in spelunca Engaddi" (David in the Cave of Engedi). Released on Naxos in 2008, this choral masterpiece is a compelling exploration of the biblical story of David, Saul, and Michal, filled with intricate recitatives, stirring arias, and powerful choral passages.
Composed by the prolific Italian opera composer Johann Simon Mayr, this work showcases his exceptional ability to blend dramatic narrative with musical depth. The oratorio is divided into two parts, each beginning with a sinfonia that sets the stage for the unfolding drama. The first part introduces the key characters and their conflicts, while the second part delves deeper into their emotional struggles and resolutions.
With a running time of 1 hour and 34 minutes, "David in spelunca Engaddi" is a substantial work that demands both the performers' and the audience's full attention. The piece is notable for its rich choral writing, with the chorus playing a significant role in the narrative. The soloists also have ample opportunity to shine, with arias that range from tender and introspective to powerful and dramatic.
The album features the Simon Mayr Choir, known for their precise and expressive performances. Their rendition of Mayr's complex choral writing is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. The soloists, too, deliver compelling performances, bringing the characters of David, Saul, Michal, and others to life with their vocal prowess and dramatic nuance.
This recording is a testament to Mayr's skill as a composer and his enduring influence on the choral tradition. Whether you're a fan of classical music, choral works, or simply appreciate a well-told story set to music, "David in spelunca Engaddi" is sure to captivate and inspire.
2008 Naxos2008 Naxos
Tracks
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Sinfonia IJohann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Ah non ultra mi Rex (Saul, Abner, Chorus)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Voces festivae sonent (Abner, Jonathas, Michol, Saul, David, Chorus)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Quidnam Saul restat (Saul, Abner)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Regi imperare (Abner, Saul)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Aria: Adversi fremunt venti (Abner)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Simuletur, ne vana (Saul, Michol, Jonathas)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Aria: En Pastor humilis (David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Regis veni ad amplexus (Saul, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Siste: corona (Saul, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Aria: Vade superbe o fortis (Saul)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Quid loquutus est Rex? (David, Jonathas, Michol)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Divisio amara (David, Michol)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Duet: Sponse mi … (Michol, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Ah Jonathas (David, Jonathas)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Esto securus (Jonathas, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Aria: Ah cor meum (Jonathas)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Quales lacerant (Saul, David, Michol)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Quod fulmen super me! (David, Michol, Saul)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Aria: Tu spernis precantem (David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Recitative: Saul somniaris (Saul, Jonathas, Michol, Abner, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Ah genitor amate … (Michol, Jonathas, Saul, Abner, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Umbra funesta (Saul, Jonathas, Michol, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part I: Vos furiae lacerate (Saul, Jonathas, Michol, Abner, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Sinfonia IIJohann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Recitative: Abite, vos non audio (Saul, Michol, Abner)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Recitative: Numen, coeleste numen (Michol)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Aria: Sponsum dona pater chare (Michol)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Recitative: Illudam filiam (Saul, Abner, Michol)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Recitative: Filia dilecta (Saul, Michol, Abner)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Aria: Patri amanti amplexus dona (Saul)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Recitative: O felix ego! (Michol, Phalti)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Aria: Gaudete o sponsi amantes (Phalti)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Recitative: Respiro tandem (Michol, Jonathas, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Ah sponsa … curre (Michol, Jonathas, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Recitative: Eum solum linquis frater! (Michol, Jonathas)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Aria: Ah quonam vado (David, Chorus)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Recitative: Quod incertos verto gressus! (Saul, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Aria: O rex amabilis (David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Aria: Ah quid restas (David, Chorus)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Recitative: Sed quid tardo (David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Arioso: Quid audio! (Saul)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Sed quidnam cerno (Saul, David)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Duet: Ah quaeso serenum (David, Saul)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Recitative: Pater! - David (Michol, Jonathas, Saul)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
David in spelunca Engaddi: Part II: Finale: O plena jubilo amica dies (Chorus)Johann Simon Mayr, Merit Ostermann, Cornelia Horak, Ai Ichihara, Sibylla Duffe, Clàudia Schneider, Simon Mayr Choir, Simon Mayr Ensemble, Franz Hauk
Johann Simon Mayr, born in 1763 in Mendorf, Bavaria, was a prolific German composer whose operatic works once captivated audiences across Europe. Studying theology at Universität Ingolstadt, Mayr's musical journey took a significant turn, leading him to compose over sixty operas between 1794 and 1824. His unique blend of Italianate melody and Germanic harmony and instrumentation earned him widespread admiration, making him one of the most popular opera composers of his time, preceding the era of Rossini. Mayr's influence extended to mentoring the young Gaetano Donizetti, further cementing his legacy in the world of classical music. Today, efforts by conductors like Franz Hauk are bringing Mayr's remarkable compositions back to the forefront, ensuring that new generations can appreciate the rich tapestry of his musical contributions.