Joachim Held, the performer on this album, won second prize at the Bruges Competition for Early Music in 1990.
Historical Context
In the Habsburg Empire, many remarkable lute composers were not professional lutenists, but rather music-loving noblemen or bourgeoisie who played the lute as a pastime.
Composer Biography
Johann Georg Weichenberger, born in Graz in 1676, worked at the Imperial Court Chamber in Vienna starting in 1700, rather than being a professional lutenist.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Weichenberger's compositions combine the subtle treatment of 'Separé' and sophisticated embellishments from French lute music with Italian cantability.
Critical Reception
Although Wolfgang Bötticher in the New Groves called Weichenberger 'only an amateur,' more recent perspectives reject this disparagement, recognizing the high quality of his compositions.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in the Erlöserkirche Vahrendorf from January 17 to 19, 2022, with Stephan Reh as the recording producer and balance engineer.
Performer Biography
Joachim Held has recorded around 10 solo CDs for Hänssler Classic, with his 2006 album 'Delightful Lute Pleasure' winning the Echo Klassik for best solo recording.
