Johann Sebastian Bach, Cantatas: 11, 117, 29

Under the direction of Thomaskantor Gotthold Schwarz, three cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach were recorded in May 2020 in the Thomaskirche Leipzig. The video was broadcast worldwide as the opening concert at the Bach Marathon 2020 via the channels of the Leipzig Bach Festival. It thus replaced the opening concert of the Leipzig Bach Festival, which was canceled this year due to Covid-19 conditions. There, the Thomanerchor would have performed the Cantata 29 for the opening in the usual chorus setting. Now the cantata could be heard via video stream with a smaller soloist ensemble. Some male voices of the Thomanerchor and other guests form the choir, which consists of three to four singers per voice, as it was common at Bach's time. The Sächsisches Barockorchester performs in a soloistic setting. With cantata 11, the Ascension Oratorio, and cantata 117, Sei Lob und Ehr dem höchsten Gut, Thomaskantor Gotthold Schwarz has chosen two additional beautiful cantatas. The small line-up and the outstanding soloists shine with an enormous joy in making music, which makes this recording a highlight of the Bach interpretation.

Julia Sophie Wagner (Soprano)
Marie Luise Werneburg (Soprano)
David Erler (Alto)
Susanne Krumbiegel (Alto)
Patrick Grahl (Tenor)
Tobias Hunger (Tenor)
Wolfram Lattke (Tenor)
Tobias Berndt (Basso)
Thomanerchor Leipzig (Male voices)
Sächsisches Barockorchester
Gotthold Schwarz (Basso)