The J. S. Bach Foundation St. Gallen, funded by private means, aims to re-interpret Bach's complete vocal works, including over 200 cantatas, in a concert series spanning approximately 25 years.
Interpretation
The concerts feature an introduction by conductor Rudolf Lutz and theologian Karl Graf, followed by two performances of the cantata with a 'reflection' lecture in between.
Performer Biography
Rudolf Lutz, the artistic director, is a lecturer in improvisation at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, a leading school for early music, giving him a profound understanding of baroque music.
Instruments
In Bach's time, church organs were typically tuned to choir pitch (A = approx. 466 Hz), nearly a whole tone higher than the orchestra, posing intonation challenges for musicians.
Historical Context
Bach's church orchestras were modest in size, as he could not compete with the financial and personnel resources of large court orchestras in Dresden and Vienna.
Recording & Production
This album features live recordings from the Evangelical Church Trogen AR, Switzerland, captured between 2006 and 2010.
Interpretation
Since October 2006, the Bach Foundation has performed one cantata per month in the baroque church of Trogen, an Appenzell village near St Gallen.
