Jauchzet dem Herrn, alle Welt - CHURCH MUSIC & MOTETS A CAPPELLA

Schiersteiner Kantorei
Stephan Breith | Cello
Clemens Bosselmann | Conductor

Mendelssohn's church music is renowned chiefly for his great oratorios such as Elijah and Paul, his choral symphony Hymn of Praise, and his psalms with orchestral or organ accompaniment. Less well known are his smaller sacred works.

It is precisely in these that Mendelssohn's outstanding gift for inventing melodies and enchanting harmonic progressions shines through. Italian influences in the double-choir sections of the Mass - Kyrie, Glory be to God on high, and Holy - delicate four-part polyphony, yet also expansive eight-part writing work hand in hand. The psalm settings Why do the nations rage and My God, my God, why have you forsaken me are virtually small a cappella cantatas. They breathe the same drama as the great oratorios. In the impressive basilica of Kloster Eberbach, they will unfold with remarkable sonority.

A musical counterpoint is provided by Stephan Breith, former principal cellist at the Hessian State Theatre, whose cello playing brings an evocative contrast to the programme.