Dive into the rich world of Baroque cantatas with "My Faith Stands Firm," a captivating collection of works by Christoph Graupner, performed by the renowned baritone Michael Hix. Released on January 27, 2023, via Affetto Recordings, this album is a testament to Graupner's mastery of the cantata form, showcasing his ability to blend profound spiritual themes with exquisite musical craftsmanship.
Spanning just over 50 minutes, "My Faith Stands Firm" features a selection of Graupner's cantatas for bass voice, each piece a gem of Baroque composition. The album opens with "Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen," a work that sets the tone with its soaring arias and reflective recitatives. The cantata explores themes of spiritual elevation and the rejection of worldly desires, all delivered with Hix's powerful and nuanced vocals.
The album continues with "Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste," a cantata that celebrates the steadfastness of faith. Hix's performance is both moving and technically impressive, as he navigates the intricate melodies and harmonies that Graupner weaves into his music. The cantata "Halte an, am Glaubenstreit" follows, offering a blend of arioso, arias, recitatives, and chorales that delve into the struggles and triumphs of faith.
"Mein Herz soll nach des Höchsten Willen" concludes the album, a work that reflects on the acceptance of divine will and the human experience of suffering. Hix's interpretation is deeply resonant, capturing the essence of Graupner's spiritual exploration.
Throughout the album, Hix is accompanied by the skilled musicians of the ensemble, who bring Graupner's scores to life with authenticity and passion. The result is a recording that not only honors Graupner's legacy but also offers a fresh perspective on his music, making "My Faith Stands Firm" a standout release in the world of Baroque music.
Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen GWV 1164/20: I. Aria. Du edles Kleinod jener HöhenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen GWV 1164/20: II. Recitative. Der Preis ist ausgestelltChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Kristin Ditlow
Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen GWV 1164/20: III. Aria. Weicht, verdammte Erden-LüsteChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen GWV 1164/20: IV. Recitative. das Irdishche ist meinem Geist zu schlechtChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Du edles Kleinod jener Höhen GWV 1164/20: V. Aria. Jesu, mein KönigChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste GWV 1152/20: I. Aria. Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet festeChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste GWV 1152/20: II. Recitative. Ich Weiss gar wohl an wen ich glaubeChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste GWV 1152/20: III. Aria. Ist meine Sonne hingegangenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste GWV 1152/20: IV. Recitative. Was Jesus tut und was ihm wieder färhtChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Gottlob, mein Glaube stehet feste GWV 1152/20: V. Aria. Lass mein Geist die freche RottenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: I. Arioso. Halte an, am GlaubenstreitChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: II. Aria - Recitative. Ach, will Dein Herz sich nicht erbarmen - So ächzet oft ein mattes HerzChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: III. Recitative. Wenn Teufel, Hölle, Sünd’ und WeltChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: IV. Chorale. Sollt’ es gleich bisweilen scheinenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: V. Aria. Wanke nicht, bedrängte SeeleChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Halte an, am Glaubenstreit GWV 1121/22: VI. Chorale. Harr’ nur auf Gott, weil dir bewusstChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Mein Herz soll nach des Höchsten Willen GWV 1113/13: I. Recitative. Mein Herz soll nach des Höchsten WillenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Katie Rietman, Kristin Ditlow
Mein Herz soll nach des Höchsten Willen GWV 1113/13: II. Aria - Recitative. In Gott gelassen sein - Es tut mir in dem Herzen wehChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
Mein Herz soll nach des Höchsten Willen GWV 1113/13: III. Aria - Recitative - Arioso. Und doch gibt’s tausend Seelen - Ja, mein Gott ich will LeidenChristoph Graupner, Michael Hix, Stephen Redfield, David Felberg, Jeffrey Smith, Sally Gunther, Kristin Ditlow
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.
Vinylscout
Christoph Graupner
