The work features a "contest" between seven solo singers, representing gods, and extraordinarily virtuosic parts for orchestral soloists.
Composition History
Johann David Heinichen's "La Gara degli Dei" was composed for one of Europe's largest wedding festivals in September 1719, celebrating the marriage of Friedrich August II of Saxony and Maria Josepha of Hohenzollern.
Recording & Production
This recording is an unedited live concert recording from November 23, 2003, at the Konzerthaus, Berlin, co-produced with Deutschlandradio Kultur.
Performer Biography
Conductor Hartmut Haenchen prepared his first work for performance at age fifteen, hand-copying Johann Adolf Hasse's Requiem in C major from manuscript for his entrance examination to the Dresden College of Music.
Historical Context
The 1719 wedding festivities for which this work was written were extensive, including a bride's arrival by barge with musicians, a 330-gun salute, multiple operas, plays, animal fights, and an equestrian ballet with 32 oboes and 6 horns.
Interpretation
The Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach Chamber Orchestra, originally specializing in modern music, shifted its focus to early Classical music, believing the two styles share musical-structural thinking.
Album & Artwork
This album is a world premiere recording of Johann David Heinichen's "La Gara degli Dei" (The Competition of the Gods).
