In late 1726, Bach introduced a new series of solo and dialogue cantatas in Leipzig, focusing on virtuoso soloists and expressive texts with a subjective 'I', which was unusual for the conservative city.
Compositional Technique
Bach's concept of musical perfection, as described by Birnbaum, involved careful contrapuntal elaboration to amend nature's imperfections, with complexity determining a piece's beauty.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Johann Abraham Birnbaum, a Leipzig lecturer in rhetoric, described Bach's compositional technique as voices working "miraculously all through each other" without confusion, creating a beautiful harmony.
Performer Biography
Xenia Löffler, the oboist on this album, has been a member and solo oboist of the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin since 2001, touring globally and performing at major festivals.
Composition History
Many of Bach's harpsichord concertos, including some on this album, are believed to have originated from earlier, lost versions for melodic instruments like violin or oboe.
Composition History
Christoph Birkmann, a Leipzig theology student and later Nuremberg pastor, was identified as the poet for Bach's series of 'I' cantatas, including the two on this CD.
Interpretation
Oboist Xenia Löffler arranged Bach's Concerto in C major BWV 1061, originally for two harpsichords, into a 'concerto for eight' featuring oboe, viola da gamba, violin, bassoon, and string ripieno.
