Machet die Tore weit: Weihnachtsmusik an der Thomaskirche

Featuring

Antonia Bourvé
Florian Cramer
Johanna Krell
Markus Flaig
Simone Schwark
Susanne Rohn

Hans Jörg Mammel
Johann Rosenmüller Ensemble
Kammerchor Bad Homburg
Johann Schelle
Anonymous (Christmas)
Sebastian Knüpfer
Johann Kaspar Horn
Johann Kuhnau

Did you know?

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Historical Context

It is remarkable that music from this period, especially from central Germany, has survived, given the many conflicts and wars since the Middle Ages and poor preservation methods.

Historical Context

This album features festive Advent and Christmas music from St. Thomas Church in Leipzig during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Composer Biography

The composers featured on this album—Tobias Michael, Sebastian Knüpfer, Johann Schelle, and Johann Kuhnau—were all immediate predecessors of Johann Sebastian Bach as Thomaskantor.

Recording & Production

For this recording, the performers primarily used manuscripts and prints from the Saxon State and University Library Dresden, editing them for modern performance.

Recording & Production

Some works on this CD are likely being heard again for the first time in over 300 years.

Composer Biography

Johann Caspar Horn, whose work is featured, was not a Thomaskantor, but his piece was demonstrably performed in St. Thomas Church.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Christmas music, as presented on this album, often combines two contrasting moods: the heroic-festive celebration of the Son of God and the intimate-lulling fragility of the baby Jesus.