The concluding chorale strophes in these cantatas were originally intended for congregational singing by those attending the religious service.
Compositional Technique
The opening choruses of these cantatas are typically based on short Bible quotations, with the festive sound of trumpets and timpani dominating the tonal elements.
Composition History
All cantatas on this album were composed for use in Lutheran religious services and follow a similar structure: an extensive opening chorus, followed by recitatives and arias, and concluding with a chorale strophe.
Performer Biography
Michael Alexander Willens, the artistic director of Die Kölner Akademie, has a deep understanding of various performance practice styles, ranging from Baroque to contemporary classical music, and even jazz and pop.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The recitatives and arias in these cantatas use freely written texts to explain the meaning of Christ's birth for individuals and humanity, highlighting its significance in salvation history.
Performer Biography
Die Kölner Akademie, the ensemble on this recording, performs music from the 17th to 21st centuries on both modern and historical instruments, aiming to stay true to the composers' intentions.
Recording & Production
This album features the recording premieres of five cantatas by Bach's contemporaries Christoph Förster and Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel, and by Gottfried August Homilius and Johann Heinrich Rolle from the following generation.
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