Leipzig, 25 December 1723. Bach has only just accepted his position as Thomaskantor when Christmas came. People crowded into St. Nicholas Church to hear all the stops pulled out for the cantata Christen, ätzet diesen Tag: a euphoric gathering of trumpets, kettledrums and whirling voices. In an astonishing setting that breaks with the customary alternation of recitatives, arias and chorales, Johann Sebastian plays an unrivalled game with ensembles and choirs who jubilantly sing out their trust in God’s mercy. The closing Magnificat is also a masterpiece of dramatic tension and refinement – not genteel baroque music, but a timeless celebration of sound and emotion. Vox Luminis plunges into the score with all the finesse, power of expression and attention to detail that turned the ensemble into world-class stars.
Program
J.S. Bach: Christen, ätzet diesen Tag, BWV 63 | Magnificat in Es, BWV 243a | J. Kuhnau, Magnificat in C
Performers
Vox Luminis | Lionel Meunier, artistic leader