Continuing the series ‘Bach’s Contemporaries’, this volume concentrates on the wonderful music of Johann Schelle a cousin of Kuhnau (another composer featured in this series).

This immensely striking sacred music by Schelle (one of Bach’s predecessors in the post of Kantor in Leipzig’s famous Thomas Church) brings together a top-flight group of soloists and a large and colourful assembly of instrumentalists, and presents remarkable and splendidly varied music which not only stands up proudly in its own musical right, but also greatly enhances our understanding of Bach’s own sacred writing.

GRAMOPHONE CRITICS’ CHOICE

‘Anyone who has yet to investigate King’s indispensable ‘Bach’s Contemporaries’ should rectify the omission without a moment’s further ado. Start with this treasure of a disc, then investigate the Kuhnau, Knüpfer and Zelenka. By that time you’ll be ready to get down onto your knees and pray for further additions to the series’ (Goldberg) ‘The man who is gifting this superlative disc to his friends is doing them the greatest favor imaginable. It contains an absolute treasure trove whose only common denominator is the high quality throughout every one of these nine works … King’s fervent espousal of Schelle’s marvelous music is apparent in every bar of this flawless disc’ (Fanfare, USA)

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dawniej CDA 67260