Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach: Magnificat Wq 215; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Mass in C minor, K. 427 (R. Maunder’s version)

Performers

Ana Maria Labin, soprano; Sophie Harmsen, alto; Julian Habermann, tenor; Tobias Berndt, bass; Gaechinger Cantorey Choir; Freiburg Baroque Orchestra; Hans-Christoph Rademann, conductor

Programme

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Magnificat Wq 215

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mass in C minor, K. 427 (R. Maunder edition)

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Music full of splendour and gratitude for the Christmas season 

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s Magnificat is his first major sacred composition. Completed in 1749 in Potsdam, he was able to perform it in Leipzig before his father’s death. The work ranks among the most sonically magnificent and vocally demanding settings of the ‘Magnificat’ from the Gospel of Luke. Its grandeur, dignity, the emotive arias, the polyphonic choruses and the rich instrumentation convey Mary’s joy and devotion in a most impressive manner. The imposing Mass in C minor was Mozart’s personal wish and a great expression of love and gratitude to his wife Constanze. Composed in the run-up to their wedding, it was performed a year later, in October 1783, in Salzburg, although the Credo remained unfinished. Nevertheless, this outstanding setting of the Mass continues to move listeners with its immediate expressiveness.