Telemann: Passions-Oratorium - CD

ENGLISH

<br><br>Telemann was a prolific composer, writing over 40 Passions (musical compositions reflecting on the final days of Jesus’ life) for the Church of Hamburg alone. His Passion oratorios, of which he wrote six, differ in that they do not strictly adhere to the literal text of the Gospels, instead making use of literary and operatic techniques.<br /> <br /> Indeed, in the case of Das selige Erwägen des bittern Leidens und Sterbens Jesu Christi (written around 1722), Telemann took it upon himself to write the libretto, and his status as one of the most famous opera composers of his time is clearly demonstrated in the quality of his orchestral writing and text expression, beautifully performed here by the Freiburger Vokal-Ensemble and L’Arpa Festante München.<br /> <br /> A delightful work that deserves to be heard more often, Das selige Erwägen was in its time one of Telemann’s most popular and frequently performed compositions. Brilliant Classics’ recording of this Passion oratorio is the perfect starting-point to explore the rich landscape that 18th-century German music drama has to offer, and sheds light on the choral works of a composer primarily known today as a writer of instrumental music.<br /> <br /> Other information: <br /> - Booklet notes.<br /> - Part of the MUSICA SACRA series