The Gewandhausorchester, which accompanies the Thomanerchor Leipzig on this album, is the world's largest professional orchestra with 180 established posts and the oldest bourgeois orchestra.
Recording & Production
This album features recordings made between 2005 and 2009, captured live from the Thomaskirche Leipzig.
Composer Biography
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, another composer on this album, made Leipzig the capital of Romantic music through his work as Gewandhauskapellmeister and founder of the music conservatoire.
Cultural Impact
Mendelssohn's work was influenced by Johann Sebastian Bach's music, and Mendelssohn's revival of Bach's St Matthew Passion in 1829 and 1841 significantly shaped the present-day regard for Bach's music.
Composer Biography
Johann Sebastian Bach, a composer featured on this album, composed most of his sacred works as cantor at St Thomas from 1723 until his death.
Historical Context
Leipzig became one of Europe's most influential musical centers from the 19th century onwards, with its musical life firmly rooted in centuries of tradition.
Performer Biography
The Thomanerchor Leipzig, the boys' choir featured on this album, will celebrate its 800th birthday in 2012, making it one of the world's oldest musical ensembles.
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