König Johann

The music of Bach's 'St. John Passion', which the composer wrote for Holy Week in 1724 immediately after his appointment as cantor of St Thomas's Church in Leipzig, still retains all its freshness and vitality nearly 300 years later, and is a true Baroque delight. The two main choruses Herr, unser Herrscher and Ruht wohl, ihr heiligen Gebeine form the beginning and culmination of a large-scale orchestral and vocal structure in which Bach reveals his absolute mastery of polyphony. Inwardly reflective chorales are as much interwoven into the events of the Passion as the haunting arias which comment on the biblical texts of the Gospel of St John. Throughout this solemn Passion oratorio, there is a constant emphasis on Baroque musical magnificence. What makes this live recording of the concert version of March 7, 2015 in the Herkulessaal of the Munich Residenz so special? The fresh voices of the young and excellent vocal soloists, the regularly praised "astonishing three-dimensionality" and "crystalline clarity" of the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks under the direction of Peter Dijkstra and, of course, the renowned period instrument ensemble Concerto Köln.

The peal of church bells, the scent of Christmas trees and gleaming lights in every window: now all that's missing to complete the Yuletide mood is Christmas by great Baroque composers. This CD contains the most moving arias and resplendent choruses from Bach's Christmas Oratorio and Handel's Messiah - the perfect music to celebrate Christmas with.

Johann Sebastian Bach's three "Gamba Sonatas" (BWV 1027-1029) may be among his best-known works, but in contrast to their popularity, we know little concrete information about their composition and possible dedications. A version for three string instruments could appear somewhat unorthodox at ?rst glance, but may in fact be a little closer to its presumed origin. And although the string trio led by cellist Johannes König plays on modern instruments, its interpretation is inspired by insights from historical performance practice. With its version of the "Gamba Sonatas", the ensemble wishes to contribute to a historically informed, yet undogmatic and diverse performance that emulates Bach‘s own joy in experimentation.

Johann Sebastian Bach's three "Gamba Sonatas" (BWV 1027-1029) may be among his best-known works, but in contrast to their popularity, we know little concrete information about their composition and possible dedications. A version for three string instruments could appear somewhat unorthodox at ?rst glance, but may in fact be a little closer to its presumed origin. And although the string trio led by cellist Johannes König plays on modern instruments, its interpretation is inspired by insights from historical performance practice. With its version of the "Gamba Sonatas", the ensemble wishes to contribute to a historically informed, yet undogmatic and diverse performance that emulates Bach‘s own joy in experimentation.

Johann Sebastian Bach's three "Gamba Sonatas" (BWV 1027-1029) may be among his best-known works, but in contrast to their popularity, we know little concrete information about their composition and possible dedications. A version for three string instruments could appear somewhat unorthodox at ?rst glance, but may in fact be a little closer to its presumed origin. And although the string trio led by cellist Johannes König plays on modern instruments, its interpretation is inspired by insights from historical performance practice. With its version of the "Gamba Sonatas", the ensemble wishes to contribute to a historically informed, yet undogmatic and diverse performance that emulates Bach‘s own joy in experimentation.

Johann Sebastian Bach's three "Gamba Sonatas" (BWV 1027-1029) may be among his best-known works, but in contrast to their popularity, we know little concrete information about their composition and possible dedications. A version for three string instruments could appear somewhat unorthodox at ?rst glance, but may in fact be a little closer to its presumed origin. And although the string trio led by cellist Johannes König plays on modern instruments, its interpretation is inspired by insights from historical performance practice. With its version of the "Gamba Sonatas", the ensemble wishes to contribute to a historically informed, yet undogmatic and diverse performance that emulates Bach‘s own joy in experimentation.

On Musikalische Exequien (Musical Exhibitions) featuring Concentus Konig, you will find a dialog between two of the most essential funerary musical works of the German Baroque.