Grain / Smolka - Sacred Cantatas [CD]

Johann Jeremias Du Grain was on familiar terms with the musical greats of his era. He learned the musical trade from Telemann, who was already famous at the time, and he assisted the very busy Handel with the composition of a festive cantata for the five hundredth anniversary of Elbing, his chosen place of residence. One hears traces of these illustrious surroundings in Du Grain's own cantatas, which Anrzej Szadejko and the Goldberg Baroque Ensemble are now presenting for the first time on this audiophile multichannel release in the Musica Baltica series. Du Grain's cantatas not only represent the very best of their times, they are also extraordinarily appealing. Virtuoso arias, splendid choral numbers, and highly expressive laments operate on the same high level as the music of the great masters. On the First Day of Christmas, full Baroque splendor awaits the Savior when timpani and trumpets open "Willkommen, Erloser" with a salutation befitting the deliverer of the world. Du Grain displays very great artistry in the elaboration of Luther's challenging medieval chorale "Mitten wir i'm Leben sind." This extensive fifteen part work explores all the facets of human life and death- now that is unique!