Ricercar Consort olv. Philippe Pierlot

Marvellous counterpoint, intimate beauty of sound and penetrating textural expression: today, Bach's cantatas retain their unchallenged position at the top of the classical repertoire. Philippe Pierlot and his Ricercar Consort have been legendary in the world of early music for decades. From Bach's masterpieces, they have distilled a celebratory Christmas special, with a large orchestra and stunning vocal soloists. On the programme are two less famous, but beautiful Christmas cantatas from Bach's first years as Thomas Cantor in Leipzig. 'Darzu ist erschienen der Sohn Gottes' was written for Boxing Day in 1723. A hugely impressive opening chord sets the tone for a delicious and moving musical work 'Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ' was first performed a year later, on 25 December 1724. Both cantatas feature rich orchestral accompaniment, which provides a festive framework for the choral parts. The inventiveness with which Bach allows the instrumental parts to enter into dialogue with the vocal soloists in the arias is dazzling. To finish off, there will be the festively jubilant opening cantata of the 'Weihnachtsoratorium': 'Jauchzet, frohlocket! Auf, preiset die Tage'. A masterpiece with rousing opening bars that feature timpani rolls and wailing trumpets.