Der Herr ist auferstanden: Arias & Duets for Eastertide

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the resplendent world of Baroque music with Christoph Graupner's "Der Herr ist auferstanden: Arias & Duets for Eastertide." This captivating collection, released in 2022, features 27 exquisite tracks that span a total of 1 hour and 17 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of arias and duets composed for Eastertide and Ascension Day. Graupner, a pivotal figure in German music during his time, showcases his mastery of the cantata form, with each piece brimming with intricate harmonies and profound expressions of faith.

The album opens with the jubilant cantata "Frohlocke werte Christenheit" GWV 1128/28, setting the tone for a spiritual journey through the Easter season. Highlights include the somber yet hopeful "Jesus lebt sagt es an," the joyous "Zion lacht in reiner Freude," and the reflective "Mein Freudenlicht hat sich verborgen." The instrumental pieces, such as the "Ouverture in C Minor" and the "Concerto for 2 Violins in G Minor," provide a stunning backdrop to the vocal works, demonstrating Graupner's versatility and depth as a composer.

Performed by the esteemed Main-Barockorchester Frankfurt and featuring the exceptional vocal talents of Georg Poplutz and Franz Vitzthum, this recording is a testament to the enduring power of Baroque music. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of classical music or a newcomer to the genre, "Der Herr ist auferstanden" offers a profound and enriching listening experience that celebrates the spirit of Eastertide.

March 18, 2022

2022 Accent

About Christoph Graupner

Christoph Graupner (1683-1760) was a German composer and harpsichordist who, despite being one of the leading figures of the late Baroque era, remains one of its most underappreciated masters. Born in Kirchberg, Saxony, Graupner's musical journey saw him create a vast array of works, from operas to symphonies, that rivaled those of his contemporaries Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Philipp Telemann. His compositions, characterized by their intricate harmonies and expressive melodies, span a wide range of genres, including concertos, orchestral pieces, chamber music, and keyboard works. Graupner's prolific output and innovative style make him a key figure in the transition from the Baroque to the Classical era, offering listeners a rich tapestry of musical experiences that continue to captivate and inspire.