Long-standing and trusted collaborators, Leonardo García-Alarcón and the violinist Chouchane Siranossian join forces at the helm of Cappella Mediterranea for a programme dedicated to Johann Sebastian Bach. Alongside the Leipzig Cantor’s first three violin concertos, two motets by his cousin Johann Christoph Bach pave the way for one of the most profound cantatas in his catalogue, Selig ist der Mann (BWV 57).
Composed for the feast of Saint Stephen in December 1725, this cantata presents a dialogue between Christ and the Soul in a meditation in which the violence of martyrdom is counterbalanced by the promise of consolation. Between light and darkness, trial and hope, Bach unfolds music of exceptional spiritual intensity, whilst the concertos reveal the full richness of his instrumental writing under the bow of Chouchane Siranossian.
Johann Christoph Bach, Wie bist du denn, o Gott, in Zorn auf mich entbrannt
Johann Christoph Bach, Mein Freund ist mein und ich bin sein, aus: Meine Freundin,
du bist schön
Johann Sebastian Bach, Concerto pour violon en la mineur — BWV 1041
Johann Sebastian Bach, Concerto pour deux violons en ré mineur — BWV 1043
Johann Sebastian Bach, Selig ist der Mann — BWV 57
Johann Sebastian Bach, Concerto pour violon en mi majeur — BWV 1042
Leonardo García-Alarcón, direction musicale
Chouchane Siranossian, solon violin
Mariana Flores, soprano
Andreas Wolf, bass
Cappella Mediterranea