Graupner: Das Leiden Jesu – Passion Cantatas, Vol. 1

Immerse yourself in the profound and moving world of Christoph Graupner's sacred music with the release of "Das Leiden Jesu – Passion Cantatas, Vol. 1." This album, released on June 2, 2017, under the CPO label, offers a captivating journey through three passion cantatas composed by Graupner, a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 8 minutes, providing a rich and immersive experience of the late Baroque period.

Graupner's cantatas, performed by the Mannheimer Hofkapelle and Ex Tempore under the direction of Florian Heyerick, are a testament to the composer's skill and emotional depth. The cantatas, originally performed during Lent, explore themes of suffering, redemption, and faith, with texts drawn from the Bible and other religious sources. The album features a range of vocal and instrumental pieces, showcasing Graupner's mastery of both choral and orchestral writing.

The cantatas on this album include "Erzittre, toll und freche Welt" (GWV 1120/41), "Christus, der uns selig macht" (GWV 1121/41), and "Fürwahr, er trug unsere Krankheit" (GWV 1125/41). Each cantata is divided into multiple movements, with titles that reflect the themes and texts of the individual pieces. The performances on this album are the result of a live recording session that took place in February 2016 in Darmstadt, capturing the energy and intensity of the music in a concert setting.

For those interested in exploring the music of Christoph Graupner, this album is an excellent starting point. The passion cantatas on this album offer a glimpse into the world of a composer who, despite being less well-known than some of his contemporaries, was highly regarded in his own time. With its rich and varied programming, this album is sure to appeal to fans of Baroque music and those looking to discover the music of this important and influential composer.