Collegium Laureatum
Conductor: Ian Cobb

"The Leipzig Connection"

Sebastian Knüpfer (1633-1676): Ach Herr, strafe mich nicht
Johann Schelle (1648-1701): Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schar
Johann Kuhnau (1660-1722): Wenn ihr fröhlich seid an euren Festen
***
Johann Kuhnau (1660-1722): Magnificat
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Magnificat

Soloists: Ruth Jenkins, Emma Walshe, Simon Ponsford, Julian Forbes, Thomas Faulkner

Website: www.collegium.org.uk

Some background information: The connection between the composers mentioned above is that they, at some point in their lives, became Kantors at the Thomaskirche in Leipzig until their death. Their work and lives share many of the same characteristics. They started their musical training at a young age and as in Kuhnau's and Schelle's case, received training from a teacher whose position they would later overtake. Even the administrative side of their lives shared similarities; Kuhnau as well as Bach had problems with their employer and were known for their difficult character. The pieces sung at this concert were all composed for important liturgical events of the year and will bring you an evening of 'sweetness & skilfulnes' (Knüpfer), 'understanding of composition' (Schelle), 'astonishing array of styles & forms' (Kuhnau), finishing with Bach, whose work excels all his predecessors.