Musik in alten Städten & Residenzen: Wien

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Baroque music with Nikolaus Harnoncourt's "Musik in alten Städten & Residenzen: Wien," a captivating collection released in 2013. This album is a testament to Harnoncourt's unparalleled expertise in historical performance practice, featuring works by composers Johann Joseph Fux, Giovanni Legrenzi, Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber, and Johann Heinrich Schmelzer. The ensemble, Concentus Musicus Wien, founded by Harnoncourt and Alice Harnoncourt in 1953, brings an authenticity and vitality to these compositions that is truly enchanting.

The album spans a variety of genres, including requiem, classical, and opera, and showcases the ensemble's mastery of period instruments. From the lively and intricate sinfonias of Fux to the expressive and virtuosic works of Biber, each track offers a unique glimpse into the musical landscape of 17th and 18th-century Vienna. Highlights include the dramatic "Ciacona" by Biber and the elegant "Sinfonia in B-Flat Major" by Fux, demonstrating the ensemble's technical prowess and musical sensitivity.

With a duration of just under an hour, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of Baroque music, performed with the highest standards of historical accuracy and musicality. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Musik in alten Städten & Residenzen: Wien" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.