Heinichen's Protestant sacred music, including the cantatas on this album, was likely connected to the re-established worship services at St. Matthew's Church in Leipzig in 1699.
Composer Biography
Johann David Heinichen was a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel, born in 1683 in Krössuln.
Compositional Technique
A common type of Protestant church music around 1700 was the concerto-aria cantata, which typically begins with a Bible verse as a concerto movement, followed by strophic arias and a repeat of the opening movement.
Composer Biography
Heinichen studied law at Leipzig University and was taught composition by St. Thomas Cantors Johann Schelle and Johann Kuhnau, even teaching his fellow students.
Historical Context
Leipzig in the early 18th century was a fertile ground for musical talent, with an active opera scene and Collegia musica, even before J.S. Bach's appointment as St. Thomas Cantor.
Performer Biography
The Sächsisches Vocalensemble (Saxon Vocal Ensemble), founded in 1996 by Matthias Jung, is known for its groundbreaking performances of early music and has won awards like the Cannes Classical Award.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Heinichen himself articulated his artistic philosophy in his 1711 treatise on basso continuo, stating that a virtuoso should move the listener's spirit through 'gallant affect' and expression similar to the text.
