Ansbach

This impressive and extensive release, part of Profils Karl Richter Edition, presents Johann Sebastian Bachs Magnificat, as well as several of his Cantatas. In addition to Richters brilliant interpretations, the prominence of the soloists in these recordings is also outstanding, as well as the quality of the Munchener Bach Orchester. Initially, the ensemble bore the name ""Solistengemeinschaft der Bachwoche Ansbach"" and served as a home orchestra of Bach Week, which has been present in the Middle Franconian residence since 1948…

Caroline of Ansbach, [actually Wilhelmina Charlotte Caroline von Brandenburg-Ansbach] wife of King George II, remarkably beautiful patron of the arts and sciences, considered Handel an esteemed confidant. It was in Hanover that Caroline first encountered Handel, actively encouraging his appointment as Kapellmeister there in 1710, and it was apparently at her behest that he composed five of his Italian chamber duets. With the accession of the elector as George I in 1714, Caroline became Princess of Wales and on his death, in 1727, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, consort of King George II.

A disc of duets and solo-voice cantatas by an obscure late-17th/early-18th century Italian singer/composer may not sound very enticing, but Francesco Antonio Pistocchi actually had a few good tunes in him and produced some works that at least will interest fans of vocal music of this period. It also offers a useful perspective for comparison with Pistocchi’s more esteemed contemporaries. As with many now-forgotten composers, there is documented evidence of his high regard during his lifetime, in this case by the Margrave and Electress of Brandenburg, for whom he worked as Kapellmeister at the Ansbach court.