Experience the timeless beauty of Baroque music with Christoph Graupner's "My Faith Stands Firm," a captivating collection of cantatas and instrumental works composed between 1720 and 1745. This album, released on January 27, 2023, under the Affetto Recordings label, offers a profound introduction to the masterful compositions of Graupner, a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach.
Spanning a concise yet impactful 50 minutes, "My Faith Stands Firm" features a series of cantatas that delve into themes of faith, resilience, and spiritual devotion. The album opens with the stirring aria "Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen" and continues with a sequence of arias, recitatives, and chorales that showcase Graupner's mastery of the Baroque style. Each piece is meticulously performed, bringing to life the rich harmonies and intricate melodies that define this era of music.
The album includes notable works such as "Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste," a cantata that affirms the steadfastness of faith, and "Halte an, am Glaubenstreit," which explores the struggles and triumphs of spiritual belief. These compositions, along with others like "Mein Herz soll nach des Höchsten Willen," highlight Graupner's ability to convey deep spiritual messages through his music.
"My Faith Stands Firm" is not just an album; it is a journey through the Baroque period, offering listeners a chance to connect with the timeless themes of faith and devotion. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Baroque music or a newcomer to the genre, this album provides a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen GWV 1164/20: I. Aria. Du edles Kleinod jener HöhenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen GWV 1164/20: II. Recitative. Der Preis ist ausgestelltChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Kristin Ditlow
Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen GWV 1164/20: III. Aria. Weicht, verdammte Erden-LüsteChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen GWV 1164/20: IV. Recitative. das Irdishche ist meinem Geist zu schlechtChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen GWV 1164/20: V. Aria. Jesu, mein KönigChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste GWV 1152/20: I. Aria. Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet festeChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste GWV 1152/20: II. Recitative. Ich Weiss gar wohl an wen ich glaubeChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste GWV 1152/20: III. Aria. Ist meine Sonne hingegangenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste GWV 1152/20: IV. Recitative. Was Jesus tut und was ihm wieder färhtChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste GWV 1152/20: V. Aria. Lass mein Geist die freche RottenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: I. Arioso. Halte an, am GlaubenstreitChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: II. Aria - Recitative. Ach, will Dein Herz sich nicht erbarmen - So ächzet oft ein mattes HerzChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: III. Recitative. Wenn Teufel, Hölle, Sünd’ und WeltChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: IV. Chorale. Sollt’ es gleich bisweilen scheinenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: V. Aria. Wanke nicht, bedrängte SeeleChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: VI. Chorale. Harr’ nur auf Gott, weil dir bewusstChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Mein Herz soll nach des Höchsten Willen GWV 1113/13: I. Recitative. Mein Herz soll nach des Höchsten WillenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Mein Herz soll nach des Höchsten Willen GWV 1113/13: II. Aria - Recitative. In Gott gelassen sein - Es tut mir in dem Herzen wehChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Mein Herz soll nach des Höchsten Willen GWV 1113/13: III. Aria - Recitative - Arioso. Und doch gibt’s tausend Seelen - Ja, mein Gott ich will LeidenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
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.
Vinylscout
Christoph Graupner
