Mattheson: Christmas Oratorio "Die heilsame Geburt", Magnificat

Kölner Akademie;
Willens, Michael Alexander

CPO 777 274-2

For a long time Johann Mattheson was the »known unknown« among the composers of the eighteenth century. His name was frequently cited but always as an important music theorist and the author of Der vollkommene Capellmeister, an elegantly written depiction of the musical aesthetics and compositional and performance practices of his time. He too, however, was a diligent practitioner, and during his years as cathedral music director at the Hamburg Cathedral (1715-28) he wrote important compositions continuing to be absolute listening musts even today. cpo has already rescued two of his oratorios from oblivion, and our third coup includes the grand Magnificat of 1716 and the Christmas oratorio Die heilsame Geburt. Both works display Mattheson's special strengths: changing instrumental and vocal combinations full of color clearly exhibiting his delight in experimentation and compositional virtuosity, with his sacred music deriving inspiration from the innovations of the early eighteenth-century opera – one more highlight in our alternative Christmas edition!

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

CPO

30-09-2010

761203727421